Amperometric gas sensor response times

This work examines the relative importance of diffusion and the electrical time constant of the working electrode on the response time of amperometric gas sensors. The response curve of an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor to a 200 ppm CO test gas was measured as a function of the added resistance that is in series with the working electrode to increase the time constant. It has been found that the response time increases with additional resistance. The experimental behavior was compared to the values predicted on the basis of Fick's second law of diffusion and to the values expected on the basis of the electrical properties of the sensor. The behavior of the sensor was explained using an equivalent electrical circuit, describing the time constants of the working electrode. Values obtained from this model were further compared to experimental values obtained from electrochemical impedance spectra. It has been found that the response time of the sensors depends on both the rate of diffusion and the electrical time constants of the working electrode.