Examination of New Catalysts for Catalytic Combustible Gas Sensors by Thermal Analysis

DTA was used to investigate cobalt oxide (Co3O4) catalysts, which differ essentially in terms of particle morphology, to their thermal response towards methane (CH4) oxidation in dry air. Moreover, the thermal stability and the effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) inhibitor on the thermal behavior of the Co3O4 catalyst was examined by DTA. A comparison of the DTA measurement with a MEMS pellistor based on a modified Co3O4 catalyst shows a similar behaviour of their responses to CH4 and H2S. The obtained results demonstrate the reliability of the method for preselection of catalysts for their application in catalytic gas sensors.