Accuracy of potentiometric oxygen sensors with Bi/Bi2O3 reference electrode for use in liquid LBE

Abstract Potentiometric oxygen sensors fabricated with yttria partially stabilized zirconia (YPSZ) and a Bi/Bi2O3 reference electrode were tested in oxygen saturated lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE) and oxygen saturated tin (Sn), respectively, in order to estimate the accuracy of the oxygen sensors prior to applying them to R&D work for MYRRHA. The accuracy of these sensors was estimated in the temperature range of 673–733 K by measuring the electromotive force (emf) of eight sensors. The standard deviation on the measured emf data was about 0.79 mV in the case of oxygen saturated LBE and was about 1.25 mV in the case of oxygen saturated Sn. These values result in a standard deviation of 4% on the oxygen concentration in LBE which is calculated from the measured emf.