O2/pH Multisensor Based on One Phosphorescent Dye

Abstract

A new sensor is described based on a phosphorescent metalloporphyrin dye incorporated in a polymeric membrane, which allows measurement of the two important analytes, oxygen and pH. In such a sensor, the bifunctional dye is quenched by O(2) altering its phosphorescence intensity and lifetime (0-21 kPa O(2)), whereas protonation of the dye causes a major change in the absorption spectrum and also reduces the phosphorescence intensity. As a result, quantification and continuous monitoring of the two analytes can be achieved by (i) simultaneous phosphorescence intensity (O(2), pH) and lifetime (O(2)) measurements and (ii) parallel phosphorescence lifetime (O(2)) and ratiometric absorbance (pH) measurements. Although the first method generally requires sensor calibration in intensity mode, the second provides internal referencing and calibration-free capabilities for both analytes. This approach can be extended to sensing of some other analytes.