Electrochemical Sensor for the Detection of SO2 in the Low-ppb Range

• Published in: Analytical chemistry (Washington) Vol. 71; no. 14; pp. 2831 - 2837
• Main Authors: Hodgson, A. W. E, Jacquinot, P, Hauser, P. C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 15.07.1999
• Subjects: Analysis methods; Analytical chemistry; Applied sciences; Atmospheric pollution; Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; General, instrumentation; Pollution; Sensors; Sulfur; Performance evaluation; Polymer solid electrolyte; Air pollution; Air; Chemical sensor; Anion exchange membrane; Gas detector; Sulfur dioxide; Environmental control; Electrochemical detector
• ISSN: 0003-2700; 1520-6882
• DOI: 10.1021/ac9812429

The development of an improved electrochemical sensor for the detection of concentrations of atmospheric sulfur dioxide in the low-ppb range is described. The sensor is based on a porous Au−solid polymer electrolyte sensing electrode which is in direct contact with the gas-containing atmosphere. Although the cell design is not new, it is demonstrated that, by careful selection of component materials and experimental conditions, the determination of trace concentrations of SO2 in air is possible with detection limits of approximately 1 ppb. The use of a strong anion exchange membrane as the solid polymer electrolyte is discussed and compared with the performance of Nafion. Cross sensitivities of the sensor to the major inorganic gaseous species found in the troposphere are also presented.