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Efficient ppt-Level H2S Gas Sensor Based on YSZ and α-Fe2O3 Nanofoam Sensing Electrode
Xidong Hao1,2, Xiangli Meng1, Tianling Yu1
1Xidian University, School of Aerospace Science and Technology, 266 Xifeng Road, Xi'an 710126, China.
ACS Sensors
|May 28, 2025
Summary
A novel porous iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) nanofoam was developed as a sensing electrode for yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) based hydrogen sulfide (H2S) sensors. This H2S sensor demonstrates high sensitivity and stability for real-time hazardous gas monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Real-time monitoring of hazardous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas is crucial for industrial safety and environmental protection.
- Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) based mixed-potential sensors are widely used for gas detection, but their performance relies heavily on the sensing electrode material.
- Developing efficient and stable sensing electrode materials is essential for enhancing the performance of H2S sensors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize porous α-Fe2O3 nanofoam as a sensing electrode material for YSZ-based mixed-potential H2S sensors.
- To investigate the effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure and electrochemical properties of α-Fe2O3 nanofoam.
- To evaluate the sensing performance, including response, detection limit, sensitivity, selectivity, and stability, of the fabricated H2S sensor.
Main Methods:
- Porous α-Fe2O3 nanofoam was synthesized using a controlled method.
- The material was sintered at various temperatures to optimize its microstructure.
- YSZ-based mixed-potential H2S sensors were fabricated using the α-Fe2O3 nanofoam as the sensing electrode.
- Electrochemical tests were conducted to evaluate the material's catalytic activity and the sensor's performance at different H2S concentrations and temperatures.
Main Results:
- α-Fe2O3 nanofoam sintered at 800 °C exhibited the highest electrochemical catalytic activity towards H2S.
- The fabricated sensor achieved a maximum response of -273 mV to 10 ppm H2S at 625 °C.
- The sensor demonstrated a low detection limit of 100 ppt and high sensitivity of -180.3 mV/decade within the 0.5-10 ppm range.
- Excellent repeatability, selectivity, and long-term stability were observed, outperforming other reported YSZ-based H2S sensors.
Conclusions:
- Porous α-Fe2O3 nanofoam sintered at 800 °C is a promising sensing electrode material for YSZ-based H2S sensors.
- The developed sensor offers high performance for real-time monitoring of hazardous H2S gas.
- This study provides valuable insights for designing advanced porous electrode materials for mixed-potential gas sensors, applicable to industrial safety and environmental monitoring.
