Design and development of a novel device to identify the individual concentration of NO and NO2 in a gas mixture

This study investigates the performance of advanced potentiometric sensors utilizing yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) substrates coated with lanthanum copper oxide (La2CuO4) or tungsten oxide (WO3) for the selective detection of nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2). The sensors were systematically evaluated at operating temperatures of 550, 600, and 650 °C. The results indicate that sensitivity to NO2 significantly increases at higher temperatures, while the response to NO is more pronounced at lower temperatures. This behavior is attributed to the catalytic conversion of NO to NO2 and vice versa, enhanced by a porous platinum (Pt) layer applied to the sensing elements. A robust linear relationship between generated potential and gas concentrations was established, allowing for accurate estimation of unknown concentrations of NO and NO2 in mixed gas environments. In addition, the study highlights the importance of temperature in optimizing sensor performance and demonstrates the potential application of these sensors in environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance. The findings contribute insights into designing efficient gas sensing technologies aimed at improving air quality management strategies globally.