Ag+ glass-Ag2SO4 composite solid electrolyte based SO2 galvanic sensor

The ionic conductivity of 10Ag(2)O:30SiO(2):60B(2)O(3) glass dispersed Ag2SO4 composite solid electrolyte system, prepared by liquid phase sintering, is investigated in the temperature range from 773 to 573 K. The maximum conductivity, 2 x 10(-3) S cm(-1) (at 573 K) is achieved on 30 wt. % glass addition to Ag2SO4. The enhancement in such electrolyte systems is discussed in the light of high conducting space charge layer, formed across heterojunction (glass-crystal interface). Galvanic SO, gas sensor using optimised composite electrolyte with Ag + Ag2SO4 solid reference is found to be more stable against long term use and thermal shocks, compared to the sensor based on pure crystalline solid electrolyte. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.