C3H6 sensing characteristics of rod-type yttria-stabilized zirconia-based sensor for ppb level environmental monitoring applications

A compact rod-type yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)-based sensor utilizing In2O3 (+0.3 wt.% Pt and 10 wt.% YSZ) sensing electrode (SE) was fabricated with aspirations of monitoring ppb levels of propene (C3H6) in atmospheric environments. The developed YSZ-based sensor demonstrated good sensitivity and selectivity towards 50 ppb C3H6 even under humid conditions (relative humidity: RH ⋍ 32%). The C3H6 sensitivity as well as response/recovery rates of the developed sensor were relatively stable during the ten days of sensor operation. This stabilization was achieved via the application of intermediate YSZ layers between the electrodes and the underlying YSZ rod. The developed sensor exhibited excellent C3H6 sensing behavior; good quantitative determination of C3H6 concentration in the range of 20–600 ppb; unaffected sensing performance towards 50 ppb C3H6 even in the presence of interfering co-existing gases such as H2, CO, NO2, CH4, C3H8 and n-C4H10. During the final evaluation of the developed sensor, it was equipped with a low power consumption heater and employed for real time monitoring of C3H6 concentrations in real atmospheric environment. The developed sensor demonstrated comparatively similar trends of output signal (sensing signal) compared with that of a commercial hydrocarbon analyzer.

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► Mixed-potential type yttria-stabilized zirconia-based gas sensors.
► Miniaturized rod-type sensor for monitoring atmospheric hydrocarbon concentrations.
► Sensor is capable of sensitive and selective detection of ppb level hydrocarbons.
► Similar C3H6 monitoring behavior when compared with commercial hydrocarbon analyzer.
► Short term stability improved using intermediate YSZ layer.