How does a zirconia oxygen analyzer work and what are its applications?

Zirconia analyzers use yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramic operating at high temperature (700-800 degrees C) where oxygen ions conduct through the lattice. When exposed to different O2 partial pressures on each side, voltage is generated per Nernst equation: E = (RT/4F) * ln(P1/P2). Reference side typically uses air. Applications: combustion control (excess air optimization), inert atmosphere monitoring, and furnace atmosphere control. Advantages: direct measurement, fast response, in-situ mounting. Considerations: sensor aging, reference air contamination, and combustible interference at low O2.