Operating principle

Figaro offers a wide range of gas sensor products for the detection of various gases, from explosive
gases such as propane, toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, to air quality sensors for volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) that are responsible for sick-house syndrome. Figaro offers a diverse portfolio of
sensor technologies that can be matched to the unique requirements of each application.

Schematic diagrams of Electrochemical-type gas sensor and Chemical reactions

Figaro Electrochemical-type gas sensor are amperometric fuel cells with two electrodes. The basic
components of two electrode gas sensors are a working (sensing) electrode, a counter electrode, and an
ion conductor in between them. When toxic gas such as carbon monoxide (CO) comes in contact with
the working electrode, oxidation of CO gas will occur on the working electrode through chemical
reaction with water molecules in the air (see Equation 1).

CO + H2O → CO2＋ 2H+ + 2e- …（1）

Connecting the working electrode and the counter electrode through a short circuit will allow protons
(H+) generated on the working electrode to flow toward the counter electrode through the ion
conductor. In addition, generated electrons move to the counter electrode through the external wiring.
A reaction with oxygen in the air will occur on the counter electrode (see Equation 2).

（1/2）O2 + 2H+ + 2e- → H2O …（2）

The overall reaction is shown in Equation 3. Figaro Electrochemical-type gas sensor operate like a
battery with gas being the active material for this overall battery reaction.

CO + （1/2）O2 → CO2 …（3）

Theoretical equation for CO detection

In order to measure the sensor’s output current, it must be connected to an external circuit. By
controlling gas flowing toward the working electrode with diffusion film, output current flowing across
the external circuit will be proportional to gas concentration (see Equation 4 and the chart at the right).
The linear relationship of gas concentration to sensor output makes this technology ideal for gas sensing
applications.

I = F × (A/σ) × D × C × n …（4）

where:

I: Sensor output

F: Faraday constant

A: Surface area of diffusion film

σ：Thickness of diffusion film

D: Gas diffusion coefficient

C: Gas concentration

n: Number of reaction electrons

Features

the electrode（2H+ + 2e- ⇔ H2), i.e. oxidation of CO has less noble potential than deoxidization. Since
The oxidation potential of CO gas (as expressed in Equation 1) is lower than the oxidation potential of
this reaction occurs easily, no external energy is needed to stimulate the sensor’s chemical reaction,
unlike with three-electrode type sensors. As a result, this two-electrode type sensor offers superior
characteristics for interference resistance, repeatability, and power consumption.

Warnings and Precautions for Use of Electrochemical-type gas sensor

Carefully read product information and other technical information provided by Figaro before using our
products, and confirm specifications and operating conditions.

When designing an application circuit, please make sure that an accidental short circuit or open circuit
of other electronic components would not cause excessive voltage, current or temperature exceeding
rated values to be applied to the gas sensor.

When designing application products, please make sure that a gas sensor malfunction would not 1)
cause adverse effects on other components, 2) directly or indirectly impair the safety of application
products using gas sensors (e.g., malfunction, emitting smoke, fire, or any other unstable state of
application products).

Consider adding safety measures for fail-safe where necessary, such as a protection circuit.

Cautions for Safe Use of Electrochemical-type gas sensor

Applied voltage

Do not use the gas sensor if higher than the rated voltage is applied. If higher than the rated voltage is
applied to the sensor, breakage may occur, or sensor characteristics may be irreversibly impaired even if
no physical damage or apparent breakage is noticeable.

Operating temperature

Do not use the sensor under higher temperature than the rated conditions. If the gas sensor is exposed
to higher than rated temperature, the sensing membrane may deteriorate, resulting in an irreversible
change of sensor characteristics.

Environmental conditions

・Avoid contamination by alkaline metals. Sensor characteristics may be significantly changed if the
sensor is contaminated by alkaline metals, especially salt water spray.

・Sensor characteristics may be irreversibly changed by exposure to high concentrations of base gases
such as ammonia. Please consult with Figaro for additional information.
・Avoid exposure of sensor where adhesives or hair grooming materials containing silicone, or silicone
rubber/putty may be present. Silicone vapors may cause clogging of the gas diffusion route.

・If severe dew condensation occurs for a long period inside the sensor or on the sensor’s surface, it may
cause clogging of the gas diffusion route or deterioration of the sensing membrane. Mild dew
condensation which occurs in normal indoor air would not cause any problem.

・If the sensor is exposed to hydrogen sulfide or sulfuric acid gas, sensor components such as the gas
diffusion film, can, and cap may be corroded, resulting in sensor damage.

・If the sensor is exposed to organic vapors such as alcohols, acetone, or volatile oils, these gases may
adsorb on the gas sensing layer, resulting in temporary but reversible sensor drift.

・Extremely high concentrations of dust or oil mist may cause clogging of the sensor's internal structure.
When such conditions are expected to be encountered, installation of an external filter is
recommended.

・If freezing of the water in the reservoir were to occur very rapidly (i.e. as would happen only under
artificial conditions), water leakage may occur inside the sensor, irreversibly changing its characteristics.
This risk greatly increases if the sensor is positioned with the cap (working electrode) facing down.

Storage

Do not keep the sensor in a completely sealed container such as a sealed bag. Due to ambient
temperature change, dew condensation may occur inside the sensor if the sensor is stored in this
manner.

Handling

・Sensor characteristics may be changed due to soaking or splashing the sensor with water.

・Vibration and mechanical shock may cause an open or short circuit inside the sensor.

・Under no circumstances should the sensor be disassembled, nor should the sensor can and/or cap be
deformed. Such action would void the sensor warranty and would cause irreversible change in
characteristics.

Application

When subjected to temperatures below 0˚C, it is possible that the water in the reservoir may freeze.
Since water volume will expand when freezing, the sensor can may undergo some deformation. Care
should be taken in the design of the detector to ensure that the sensor is not placed too close to other
components or the circuit pattern on a printed circuit board, as such deformation may cause the sensor
to come in contact with these items.

Mounting process
・Manual soldering is recommended since high concentrations of flux may affect sensor characteristics
when the sensor is wave soldered. When wave soldering is used, a test should be conducted before
production starts to see if there would be any influence to sensor characteristics.

・When a resin coating is applied on a printed circuit board for improved resistance to moisture and
corrosive gases, the chemical solvent contained in coating material may affect sensor characteristics.
Sample testing should be conducted to see if this process would adversely affect sensor characteristics.

A hydrogen sensor is a gas detector that detects the presence of hydrogen. They contain micro-
fabricated point-contact hydrogen sensors and are used to locate hydrogen leaks. They are considered
low-cost, compact, durable, and easy to maintain as compared to conventional gas detecting
instruments.[1]