Enhanced Photoluminescence of Oxygen-Sensing Films Through Doping with Titania Particles

2 Enhanced Photoluminescence of Oxygen-Sensing Films Through Doping with Titania Particles [70] 

In spite of the potential widespread applications of PL-based sensors, simple, low-cost approaches that further improve sensor performance are highly desirable. Enhancement of the detection sensitivity is often achieved with new matrices that are more permeable to the analyte, with dyes with a high PL quantum yield and/or a long t, and by optimizing the dye concentration when embedded in a thin host film, immobilized on a surface, or dissolved in solution. These approaches improve the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) in the measurement, enabling more accurate determination of analyte levels. However, new methods are desired for signal enhancement beyond the incremental increases obtained by the approaches mentioned above. 

We have developed a uniquely simple approach to increase the intensity of the PL of PtOEP- and PdOEP-doped PS sensor films [70]. In this approach, sensor films were additionally doped with small-size particles that have a high dielectric constant, such as 360-nm diameter titania (Ti02) particles. When 

The increased PL results in an improved S/N ratio in oxygen monitoring, without any deterioration or change in the response time or the long-term stability of the sensor films (the particles affect t, independently of their concentration) [70]. The improved S/N can improve the analyte limit of detection (LOD), allow shortened data acquisition times, and enable the use of low-intensity excitation sources to minimize potential dye photobleaching. 

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