Electrochemical sensors and methods for their use
AssigneeThe Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
InventorsWayne Worrell, Qingguo Liu, Yuhua Tang
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Abstract
Electrochemical sensors are provided having improved sensitivity, stability and dirability. In accordance with preferred embodiments, such sensors comprise protective sheath means having at least one opening. Within the sheath and sealed thereto at the opening is a sensing body comprising metal oxide and an oxide from group IIA or IIB of the periodic table. Reference electrode means are also provided. Methods for monitoring the concentration of a species in a melt are also provided.
Claims19
An electrochemical sensor for determining the concentration of oxygen in a melt, comprising:
- A. protective sheath means having at least one opening therein;
- B. a zirconia sensing body having predetermined length and width and an end wall having predetermined thickness, said sensing body being:
- within said protective sheath means and in contact therewith along substantially the entire length of the sensing body;
- and
- sealed to said protective sheath means at said opening to expose a portion of the zirconia sensing body;
- and
- c. reference electrode composition in contact with said zirconia sensing body;
- the thickness of the end wall adjacent to the exposed portion being greater than the width of the sensing body and being at least about 5 mm.
A method for monitoring the concentration of oxygen in a melt comprising:
- A. contacting said melt with an electrochemical sensor comprising:
- 1. protective sheath means having at least one opening therein;
- 2. a zirconia sensing body having predetermined length and width and an end wall having predetermined thickness, said sensing body being:
- within said protective sheath means and in contact therewith along substantially the entire length of the sensing body, and
- sealed to said sheath means at said opening to expose a portion of the zirconia sensing body;
- and
- 3. reference electrode composition in contact with said zirconia sensing body;
- the thickness of the end wall adjacent to the exposed portion being greater than the width of the sensing body and being at least about 5 mm;
- B. measuring the electrochemical potential of said sensor a plurality of times;
- and
- C. relating said measurements of electrochemical potential to the oxygen concentration in the melt.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.