Solid State Chemical Sensors for Co

Carbon monoxide is one of the most important reducing gases to be detected in combustion of hydrocarbon fuels, petroleum and automobile industries, heat-treating furnaces and, also in the first stages of fire. During the past four decades, gas sensors based either on the surface characteristics or the bulk properties of ceramics have been the subject of extensive research and development. New materials research endeavors are leading to the development of new solid-state devices for CO detection and metering. Nevertheless, even the most recent development in this area falls short of what is desired and required in real-life, e.g., selectivity, sensitivity, response-time and reversibility. This review attempts to take stock of the present day scenario of the advances made towards the development and performance of solid-state chemical sensors for carbon monoxide. In addition, some recent results on the development of CO sensors for NASA's proposed Manned Mars Mission are also presented.