Potentiometric sensors based on yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) with WO₃ as sensing electrode were fabricated using either Pt or Au electrodes. The sensors were studied in the temperature range 550–700°C in the presence of different concentrations (300–1000 ppm) of NO₂ and CO in air. The response to NO₂ was very stable with fast response time (20–40 s). The best sensitivity (18.8 mV/decade) using Pt electrodes was observed at 600°C. At the same temperature a cross-sensitivity (– 15 mV/decade) to CO gas was also noticed. The response to CO was decreased (– 4 mV/decade) using Au electrode. The role played by WO₃ on the sensing electrode was discussed.