Galvanic cell, oxygen sensor solid electrolyte

Figure 1. Schematic of oxygen sensor solid electrolyte galvanic cell...

When a solid electrolyte component is interfaced with two electronically conducting (e.g. metal) films (electrodes) a solid electrolyte galvanic cell is formed (Fig. 3.3). Cells of this type with YSZ solid electrolyte are used as oxygen sensors.8 The potential difference U R that develops spontaneously between the two electrodes (W and R designate working and reference electrode, respectively) is given by ... 

Galvanic cells with solid Zr02 (+CaO) electrolyte are used as the oxygen sensor for high temperature applications. The oxygen sensor enables determination of the activity of a metal element in an alloy. Consider the following cell ... 

Galvanic cells can be set up with solid electrolytes rather than electrolytic solutions. Such a cell is the basis for a well-known potentiometric gas sensor, the lambda probe. The latter is designed to determine the oxygen content of combustion gases, e.g. in motor vehicles. The lambda probe can operate in two different modes, either potentiometrically or amperometrically. 

---