Development of a high stability methane sensor

Abstract

By means of XPS electron spectroscopy, together with observation and measurement using an electron microscope, the cause of a decrease in the output activity of catalytic methane sensors was investigated. The principal cause of this decrease in activity was identified as carbon deposition on the catalyst surface during operation.

On the basis of these observations and theoretical calculations a high stability sensor with flowing potassium was proposed and developed. Additionally, the optimum composition and method of preparation of the sensor was determined. As a result, the sensor's stability and working life were greatly improved.