Performance of potentiometric oxygen sensors with LSCF electrode in lead–bismuth eutectic loop

•The yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) solid electrolyte oxygen sensor with LSCF (lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite)/air reference electrode was investigated.•The performance of two LSCF/air reference electrode sensors was tested on a LBE dynamic loop.•This study demonstrates that the LSCF/air sensor can be used to monitor oxygen concentration in non-isothermal LBE systems. Oxygen sensors are the major part of the active oxygen control system (OCS) to be used in the liquid lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE) system. In this paper, the electromotive force (EMF) measured by yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) solid electrolyte sensor with LSCF (lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite)/air reference electrode in static oxygen saturated LBE is used to obtain relationship between EMF and temperature. The EMF output by oxygen sensors is deterministic and predictable. At the same time, the performance of oxygen sensors in flow loop of liquid LBE were also studied. EMF output curves of oxygen sensors corresponding to the operation of consuming dissolved oxygen are given. It is proved that the LSCF/air sensor can be used to monitor oxygen concentration in non-isothermal LBE systems.