Amperometric ammonia sensors for low detection limit with BaZr(1-x)YxO3-δ proton electrolytes

Ammonia (NH3) sensor is a critical part in the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for the reduction of oxynitride emission. Here, novel amperometric NH3 sensors are proposed based on BaZr(1-x)YxO3-delta (BZY, x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) proton electrolytes. The influence of yttrium content on the structure, morphology and conductivity of BZY electrolytes is investigated systematically. Benefiting from the best conductivity of BaZr0.8Y0.2O3-delta (BZY20) among these electrolytes, the sensor with the BZY20 electrolyte exhibits a low detection limit of 0.5 ppm at a relative low working temperature of 350 degrees C. Furthermore, the sensor shows the highest sensitivity, good selectivity and repeatability to NH3. This work opens the way for the promising application of solid-state NH3 sensor for low detection limit at low working temperatures.

Automated summary

This study presents a novel ammonia sensor based on BZY electrolytes, which shows a low detection limit, high sensitivity, selectivity and repeatability at a relatively low working temperature.