This paper describes the development of Yb-doped strontium cerates for use in a hydrogen sensor in coal gasification atmospheres. The first results of a characterization study of the microstructural as well as mechanical properties are presented. A comparison between virgin samples and samples exposed to a synthetic coal gasification atmosphere indicated no deleterious effect by this environment. Also the preliminary results with respect to an electrical characterization confirm this observation and are in agreement with the results of previous investigations.