Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
A hydrogen gas sensor based on shift in breakdown voltage of a ZnO varistor was developed. Changes in rate controlled sintering schedules resulted in significant variations in microstructure. Microstructures showing more intergranular porosity and finer grain size demonstrated a comparatively more linear and broad response to H2 concentration. A mechanism for the shift in breakdown voltage based on adsorbed oxygen is suggested for this unique and potentially very useful sensor.