Solid proton conductors as room-temperature gas sensors

Ammonia-exchanged ceramic samples of beta alumina have been obtained from plasma-dispersed powders. The ionic conductivity is slightly affected by ion exchange, but the surface conductivity for the amonia-exchanged sample drastically changes in the presence of the water and ammonia vapours. The ammonia-doped xerogel of antimonic acid hydrate in the form of a thick film has been tested as a potentiometric ammonia sensor.