The use of electrochemical oxygen sensors in the liquid alkali metals: an assessment

The possible use of electrochemical oxygen sensors, based on yttria doped thoria electrolytes, in the liquid alkali metals lithium, potassium, rubidium and caesium and the associated alloys sodium-potassium and lithium-lead, has been assessed. The assessment was made by examining the thermodynamic aspects, oxygen solubility, compatibility and reported uses in the literature. An assessment was also made for oxygen sensors, bases on stabilised zirconia, as a comparison. The assessments show that electrochemical oxygen sensors based on yttria doped thoria can be used in the majority of the liquid alkali metals and alloys. In the case of oxygen sensors based on stabilized zirconia, the use is more restricted. (author)