A solid-state sensor design is developed for the selective detection of different gaseous species. The sensor relies on a semi-permeable membrane made of zeolite. Zeolites are uniformly porous on a molecular scale allowing gases to be permitted or restricted from sensor interaction based on their kinetic molecular size. This principle will allow the sensor to react to a particular gas species without potential interactions from unwanted species.; The sensor is based on a solid-state electrochemical sensor with a zirconia electrolyte, but contains a unique platinum-zirconia composite electrode. This electrode is composed of finely intermixed phases that can be made planar to accommodate the zeolite membrane.; The sensor has been shown to be effective at detecting oxygen, nitric oxide and carbon dioxide at low concentrations. With the addition of the zeolite membrane, the response to carbon dioxide in a mixed atmosphere is diminished. Weakness in the sensor fabrication caused early failure of the sensor. Analysis of the sensor show that a viable membrane was likely produced, but it also infiltrated the sensor structure causing the premature failure.
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