Effect of Humid Aging on the Oxygen Adsorption in SnO(2) Gas Sensors

To investigate the effect of aging at 580 °C in wet air (humid aging) on the oxygen adsorption on the surface of SnO(2) particles, the electric properties and the sensor response to hydrogen in dry and humid atmospheres for SnO(2) resistive-type gas sensors were evaluated. The electric resistance in dry and wet atmospheres at 350 °C was strongly increased by humid aging. From the results of oxygen partial pressure dependence of the electric resistance, the oxygen adsorption equilibrium constants (K(1); for O(−) adsorption, K(2); for O(2−) adsorption) were estimated on the basis of the theoretical model of oxygen adsorption. The K(1) and K(2) in dry and wet atmospheres at 350 °C were increased by humid aging at 580 °C, indicating an increase in the adsorption amount of both O(−) and O(2−). These results suggest that hydroxyl poisoning on the oxygen adsorption is suppressed by humid aging. The sensor response to hydrogen in dry and wet atmosphere at 350 °C was clearly improved by humid aging. Such an improvement of the sensor response seems to be caused by increasing the oxygen adsorption amount. Thus, the humid aging offers an effective way to improve the sensor response of SnO(2) resistive-type gas sensors in dry and wet atmospheres.