Potentiometric CO2 gas sensor with lithium phosphorous oxynitride electrolyte

Potentiometric cell, Au/LiCoO2 5 m/o Co3O4/Li2.88PO3.73N0.14/Li2CO3/Au, has been fabricated and investigated for monitoring CO2 gas. A LiCoO2–Co3O4 mixture was used as the solid-state reference electrode instead of a reference gas. The idea is to keep the lithium activity constant on the reference side using thermodynamic equilibrium at a given temperature. The thermodynamic stability of the reference electrode was studied from the phase stability diagram of Li–Co–C–O system. The Gibb’s free energy of formation of LiCoO2 was estimated at 500°C from the measured value of the cell emf. The sensors showed good reversibility and fast response toward changing CO2 concentrations from 200 to 3000 ppm. The emf values were found to follow a logarithmic Nernstian behavior in the 400–500°C temperature range. CH4 gas did not show any interference effect. Humidity and CO gas decreased the emf values of the sensor slightly. NO and NO2 gases affect this sensor significantly at low temperatures. However, increased operating temperature seems to reduce the interference.