Sensors and Actuators B 44 (1997) 321–326 A first-principles model of the zirconia oxygen sensor

Zirconia oxygen sensors are used extensively to monitor the air-to-fuel ratio of internal combustion engines. The basic physical and chemical processes involved in the sensing operation have been examined in detail to develop a first-principles model whose results agree well with experiments. Additionally, a wide variety of response is predicted from the model, depending upon the gas mixture, the electrode material, the reactivities of the gases, etc. The analysis is helpful in providing insight and design guidance in optimizing sensor operation for specific applications. © 1997 Elsevier Science S.A