Exhaust gas sensor

A gas sensor comprising:

• a middle shell;
• a lower shell disposed in contact with said middle shell;
• an upper shell disposed in contact with said middle shell opposite said lower shell;
• a sensor element disposed in contact with said middle shell, and protruding into said lower shell and said upper shell, said sensor element comprising:
• an electrolyte body having a first surface and a second surface;
• a first electrode disposed on said first surface;
• a second electrode disposed on said second surface, said second electrode comprising lead oxide in an amount of about 0.1 to about 8 mg/cm2;
• and,
• a protective layer disposed on said second electrode;
• and,
• at least one electrical connector disposed in contact with said first electrode and said second electrode, wherein said at least one electrical connector provides electrical access to said sensor element from an external circuit.

A gas sensor element, comprising:

• an electrolyte body having a first surface and a second surface;
• a first electrode in intimate contact with said first surface;
• a precursor comprising lead oxide adsorbed on a exposed surface of a second electrode, wherein said second electrode is in intimate contact with said second surface;
• and
• a catalyst coated on said precursor.