Preparation and analysis of zirconia oxygen sensors
(1.State Key Laboratory of Plastic Forming Simulation and Die and Mould Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China2.湖北省武汉市华中科技大学材料科学与工程学院模具技术国家重点实验室)
Abstract: Thimble zirconia oxygen sensors were prepared with yttria stabilized zirconia(YSZ). The surfaces of the electrode, electrolyte and their interface were observed by scanning electron microscope(SEM). The sensor was examined with engine bench test to evaluate the essential performance. The results show that the oxygen sensor has good performance, which can meet the demand of practical applications. Chemical equilibrium theory was introduced to explain electromotive force of the sensors and the influence of temperature on the signals. The educed theoretical model of electromotive force agrees well with testing results.
Key words: zirconia oxygen sensor; engine bench test; chemical equilibrium; electromotive force