Catalytic layer system

• US 5,969,232 A
• Filed: 07/27/1998
• Issued: 10/19/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: EPIQ Sensor-Nite NV
• Original Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V. (Heraeus Holding GMBH)
• Inventors: Tafferner, Michael, Schonauer, Ulrich
• Primary Examiner(s): Williams, Hezron
• Assistant Examiner(s): WIGGINS, JOHN DAVID
• Application Number:
  US09/123,059
• Time in Patent Office: 449 Days
• Field of Search: 73/31.05, 73/23.2, 73/335.05, 422/83, 422/98, 204/192.25, 204/192.15, 427/255.2
• US Class Current: 73/31.05
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 27/12 of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluid; of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid , for detecting components in the fluid

Abstract

The invention relates to a catalytic layer system on a resistive gas sensor, especially on a resistive gas sensor layer on a titanate base, with at least one first layer and a second layer lying over the first layer, where, according to the invention, the first layer exhibits a catalytically active substance whose volume percentage in the layer ranges from 20 to 80%. In addition, the first layer contains a titanate that corresponds to at least one titanate of the underlying gas sensor layer. This attribute guarantees favorable adhesion between the layers. Furthermore, an oxide mixture that contributes to the improved mechanical stability of the layer system is provided in the second layer instead of the catalytically active substance. To manufacture the catalytic layer system, the individual layers are applied to the sensor in a screen printing process, which allows for a rational method of production and the precise dosing and distribution of the individual layer components.

Claims

1. A catalytic layer system for an electrically resistive gas sensor comprising:

a first layer on top of a resistive gas sensor layer deposited on a substrate, and comprising 20 to 80% by volume of a catalytically active substance and a titanate;

a second layer lying over the first layer comprising the same titanate as used in the first layer and an oxide mixture of oxides of Al, Si and Ba used instead of the cataytically active substance of the first layer.

2. The catalytic layer system of claim 1 wherein the first layer comprises 40-60% by volume of a catalytically active substance.

3. The catalytic layer system of claim 1 wherein the first layer comprises 45-55% by volume of a catalytically active substance.

4. The catalytic layer system of claim 1 wherein the catalytically active substance comprises a platinum group metal.

5. The catalytic layer system of claim 1 wherein the catalytically active substance comprises platinum or rhodium.

6. The catalytic layer system of claim 4 wherein the platinum group metal is introduced into the layer system in powder or flake form.

7. The catalytic layer system of claim 1 wherein the titanate consists essentially of strontium titanate.

8. The catalytic layer system of claim 1 wherein the oxide mixture comprises 20-80% by volume of the second layer.

9. The catalytic layer system of claim 1 wherein the oxide mixture comprises 40-60% by volume of the second layer.

10. The catalytic layer system of claim 1 wherein the oxide mixture comprises 45-55% by volume of the second layer.