Abstract: To increase the response speed and sensitivity, while providing higher output voltages and permitting higher loading of the electrodes of gas sensors, particularly exhaust gas sensors to determine the transition of exhaust gases from internal combustion engines between reducing and oxidizing state, the sintering activity of the electrode which, typically, a cermet electrode, is selected to be less than that of the solid electrolyte body so that the resulting pore structure will be more open than that of the solid electrolyte body. The electrodes, essentially, consist of finely divided ceramic material, such as zirconium oxide, and finely divided electron conductive material such as platinum.

Abstract: To decrease the quantity of catalytically active noble metal used in a Cermet (ceramic-metal) electrode, particularly one containing platinum, the electrode has a non-uniform noble metal concentration, with respect to its cross section, so that the outer region thereof consists essentially only of ceramic material, protecting the softer noble metal which is subject to erosion, and permitting a higher concentration of noble metal close to the solid electrolyte body where it is most needed.

Abstract: To increase the sensitivity of internal combustion engine exhaust gas sensors, which provide a voltage jump output upon transition of the composition of the exhaust between reducing and oxidizing state, and to maintain the porosity of a platinum, or platinum metal alloy layer forming an electrode on a body of zirconium dioxide, the electrode or electrode layer has dispersed therein an oxide or a carbide of a metal which impedes or inhibits recrystallization at the temperatures to which the sensor is exposed, for example 1000.degree. C.

Abstract: To improve adhesion of a porous cover layer over a platinum or platinum-rhodium electrode layer on a solid electrolyte body, for example of stabilized zirconium dioxide, the electrode layer is applied in form of interrupted, adjacent strips leaving gaps exposing the solid electrolyte body therebeneath. The porous cover layer will adhere well to the solid electrolyte body, thus protecting both the electrode and the cover layer against flaking off under high-temperature and temperature variation conditions. The sensitivity can be improved by interposing a layer of ceramic mixed with platinum or a platinum rhodium between the solid electrolyte body and at least some of the electrode strips, the adhesion of the porous cover layer over the interposed thick-film layer, where exposed between the portions of the electrode on the solid electrolyte body being sufficient for the intended purpose.