Abstract
The sensing characteristics of an yttria-stabilized zirconia-based gas sensor utilizing an SnO2/NiO(+Al2O3) sensing-electrode (SE) were evaluated, with aspirations of selective ppb level detection of indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The fabricated sensor gave a preferential response towards 50 ppb C7H8 (toluene), while exhibiting negligible responses towards interfering gases (C3H6, H2, CO, NO2, C2H5OH (ethanol)). However, it was observed that toluene detection was strongly affected by high concentration ethanol, which can peak to approximately 10 times higher concentration in indoor environments. To overcome this limitation, a physical gas-diffusion barrier which was comprised of nano-Al2O3 particles was formed on the exposed edges of the NiO-SE, which assisted in the effective oxidation of ethanol in the SnO2 catalytic layer, by avoiding direct penetration of ethanol into NiO-SE. The developed sensor was found to be capable of selectively detecting aromatic VOCs lower than the indoor guideline concentrations, with low interference from high ethanol concentrations.
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