Publication Date

1994

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Shaffer, John C., 1938-2017

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Physics

LCSH

Electrochemical sensors; Electrochemical analysis; Thick films; Ceramic metals

Abstract

This thesis describes the development and testing of a prototype electrocatalytic ceramic-metallic (cermet) multi-gas sensor using screen printed, thick-film, technology. A thick film cermet oxygen sensor modeled after current thin film oxygen sensors was produced using established solid electrolyte materials with an integrated platinum heating element. This sensor was then augmented with a catalytic working electrode driven by a cyclic ramped voltage to force oxidation/reduction (redox) reactions of the gas species adsorbed on its surface. The redox rates of the sampled gases were reflected by a marked change in current produced by the sensor. The corresponding redox potentials aid in determining the content of the gases on the sensor's surface while the amplitude of the current determines the concentration of the gases. The sensors were tested under exposure to a variety of organic gases as a function of temperature. The sensors gave qualitative and quantitative responses to oxygen and responded distinctly and reproduceably to the organic gases tested. The sensitivity of the sensor was directly proportional to the working temperature.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [84]-88)

Extent

vii, 99 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

Download

Share

COinS