Full-range optical pH sensor array based on neural networks

A neural network multivariate calibration is used to predict the pH of a solution in the full-range (0–14) from hue (H) values coming from imaging an optical pH sensor array based on 11 sensing elements with immobilized pH indicators. Different colorimetric acid-base indicators were tested for membrane preparation fulfilling the following conditions: 1) no leaching; 2) change in tonal coordinate by reaction and 3) covering the full pH range with overlapping between their pH responses. The sensor array was imaged after equilibration with a solution using a scanner working in transmission mode. Using software developed by us, the H coordinate of the colour space HSV was calculated from the RGB coordinates of each element.The neural network was trained with the calibration data set using the Levenberg–Marquardt training method. The network structure has 11 input neurons (each one matching the hue of a single element in the sensor array), 1 output (the pH approximation value) and 1 hidden layer with 10 hidden neurons. The network provides an MSE = 0.0098 in the training data, MSE = 0.0183 in the validation data and MSE = 0.0426 in the test data coming from a set of real water samples. The resulting correlation coefficient R obtained in the Pearson correlation test is R = 0.999.     

Single-step calibration, prediction and real samples data acquisition for artificial neural network using a CCD camera

An artificial neural network (ANN) model is developed for simultaneous determination of Al(III) and Fe(III) in alloys by using chrome azurol S (CAS) as the chromogenic reagent and CCD camera as the detection system. All calibration, prediction and real samples data were obtained by taking a single image. Experimental conditions were established to reduce interferences and increase sensitivity and selectivity in the analysis of Al(III) and Fe(III). In this way, an artificial neural network consisting of three layers of nodes was trained by applying a back-propagation learning rule. Sigmoid transfer functions were used in the hidden and output layers to facilitate nonlinear calibration. Both Al(III) and Fe(III) can be determined in the concentration range of 0.25-4 μg ml⁻¹ with satisfactory accuracy and precision. The proposed method was also applied satisfactorily to the determination of considered metal ions in two synthetic alloys.     

Development of pH sensor based on aromatic polyurethane matrix

The synthesized aromatic polyurethane (APU)-based all-solid-state (ASS) pH sensor was developed with the same APU-based reference site in an ASS multi sensing electrode. The best analytical performance (the linear range of pH 3.0–11.5, slopes of 57 mV pH⁻¹) was obtained with the membrane composition of 33:66:1 (wt.%) of APU/plasticizer (NPOE)/ionophore (N,N-dioctadecylmethylamine) with the addition of lipophilic additive (KTpClPB, 5 mol.%). This ASSE exhibits more advantages of increasing stability, reducing membrane resistance and reducing anion interference.     

Novel coumarin-based fluorescent pH indicators,probes and membranes covering a broad pH range

A new family of coumarin-based pH indicators was synthesized. They are sensitive to pH in either weakly acidic or weakly basic solution. The indicators possess moderate to high brightness, excellent photostability and compatibility with light-emitting diodes. The indicators were covalently immobilized on the surface of amino-modified polymer microbeads which in turn were incorporated into a hydrogel matrix to obtain novel pH-sensitive materials. When a mixture of two different microbeads is used, the membranes are capable of optical pH sensing over a very wide range comparable to the dynamic range of the glass electrode (pH 1–11). A new family of coumarin-based pH indicators is synthesized for the use in either weakly acidic or weakly basic solution. The indicators possess moderate to high brightness, excellent photostability and compatibility with light-emitting diodes. Novel pH-sensitive materials are obtained by covalent immobilization of the indicators on the surface of amino-modified polymer microbeads which in turn are incorporated into a hydrogel matrix. Sensing of pH over a very wide range also becomes possible.     

Fiber optic pH sensing with long wavelength excitable Schiff bases in the pH range of 7.0-12.0

Most of the fluorescent pH probes work near neutral or acidic regions of the pH scale. In this work, two different fluorescent Schiff bases, chloro phenyl imino propenyl aniline (CPIPA) and nitro phenyl imino propenyl aniline (NPIPA), have been investigated for pH sensing in the alkaline region. Absorption and emission based spectral data, quantum yield, fluorescence lifetime, photostability and acidity constant (pK(a)) of the Schiff bases were determined in conventional solvents and in PVC. The long wavelength excitable immobilized Schiff bases CPIPA (lambda(ex)=556 nm) and NPIPA (lambda(ex)=570 nm) exhibited absorption and emission based optical response to proton in the pH range of 8.0-12.0 and 7.0-12.0, respectively. Response of the CPIPA was fully reversible within the dynamic working range. The response times were between 3-13 min. A relative signal change of 95% and 96% have been achieved for sensor dyes of CPIPA and NPIPA, respectively. The CPIPA displayed better fluorescence quantum yield (varphi(F)=3.7 x 10(-1)) and higher matrix compatibility compared to NPIPA (varphi(F)=1.6 x 10(-1)) in immobilized PVC. The CPIPA and NPIPA exhibited a slight cross sensitivity to the ions of Hg(+) and Fe(3+), respectively.     

Phenolphthalein immobilized membrane for an optical pH sensor

A phenolphthalein immobilized cellulose membrane for an optical pH sensor was described. The phenolphthalein was first reacted with the formaldehyde to produce a series of prepolymers with many hydroxymethyl groups. In this paper, the prepolymers was abbreviated to phenolphthalein-formaldehyde (PPF). Then the PPF was covalently immobilized to the diacetylcellulose membrane via hydroxymethyl groups. Finally the membrane was hydrolyzed in the 0.1 M NaOH solution for 24 h to reduce the response time. Advantageous features of the pH-sensitive membrane include (a) a large dynamic range from pH 8.0 to 12.50, or even broader, (b) rapid response time (2–30 s), (c) easy of fabrication, and (d) a promising material for determination of high pH values. The immobilized PPF has a broader dynamic range from 8.0 to 12.50 than the free phenolphthalein from pH 8.0 to 11.0, and this was due to the newly produced methylenes in our investigation.     

石墨烯量子点-金纳米簇比率荧光传感器用于海水pH检测

表层海洋pH正以约每年0.002的速度下降,这种变化将会对地球的化学循环和气候变化的物理化学参数产生潜在的影响。为了准确了解海洋的酸化程度,本文建立了一种快速准确检测海水pH的方法。采用柠檬酸热解法合成石墨烯量子点（GQDs）,以谷胱甘肽（GSH）为模板合成金纳米簇（GSH-AuNCs）,将GQDs和GSH-AuNCs结合制成GQDs-AuNCs比率荧光传感器,用于海水pH的检测。在酸性条件下,由于GSH-AuNCs表面的羧基发生质子化,GSH-AuNCs分子之间的静电斥力减弱因而发生聚集,荧光强度随之降低。在碱性条件下,GSH-AuNCs表面的羧基脱质子化,GSH-AuNCs分子之间的静电斥力增强,荧光强度也随之增强。在pH 2～11范围内,GQDs-AuNCs比率荧光探针的荧光强度比值(I₅₆₅/I₄₄₀)与pH之间呈线性相关。将该方法用于海水的pH检测,得到较好的实验结果。     

Dynamic method as a simple approach for wide range pH measurements using optodes

In this paper, a flow system equipped with an optode has been suggested for wide range pH measurements. Triacetyl cellulose was used as the optode membrane in which different pH indicators were immobilized. For extending the pH range, the dynamic response rather than the steady-state response of the optode was measured. Since diffusion is the main process governing the system response, different parameters having influence on diffusion of the analyte into the membrane were optimized. Under the optimum conditions, wide range pH determination (up to 11 pH units) is simply achieved regardless of the pK_a of the pH indicator immobilized in the membrane. To validate the application of the method different indicators with different structures and pK_a values were tested and the results were all confirming the precision and accuracy of the method. The suggested method also has combined advantages of flow systems together with inherent advantages of kinetic systems.     

A hetero-core structured fiber optic pH sensor

Novel spectroscopic sensor based on a hetero-core structured fiber optic is described in this paper. The hetero-core structured fiber optic consists of multi mode fibers and a short piece of single mode fiber which was inserted in the multi mode fibers. Phenol red and/or cresol red as pH sensitive dyes were immobilized on the surface of the hetero-core portion by using sol-gel method, and the pH change detection was performed by immersing the hetero-core portion into the solution. In the case that the cresol-red immobilized fiber was immersed in the alkaline and/or acidic solution, the peak wavelength of the propagating loss spectra were about 575 and 545 nm, respectively. These propagating loss spectra were similar to that of the absorbance spectra of the dye solution. In the propagating loss spectra of phenol-red immobilized fiber, these spectra were similar to that of the dye solution. The colorimetric change of the dye in the support matrix was reversible, and the response time of the sensor was within 30 s.     

Methodology for the selection of suitable sensors for incorporation into a gas sensor array

An investigation into suitable mathematical techniques which can be used to select sensor components for a gas sensor array is reported. Data from a tin dioxide Taguchi semiconductor sensor array were obtained individually for various organic solvents and analysed using multivariate techniques, including principal component analysis, cluster analysis and star symbol plots. It was shown that the array data produced a series of characteristic response patterns for the analytes. It was also found that analytes of similar chemical nature had similar response patterns, indicating a correlation between sensor interaction and the chemical functional groups of the analyte. The multivariate techniques used proved to be very useful in enabling a suitable selection of the components of the array to be made by identifying which of the components or sensors were acting independently.     

共价键合修饰壳聚糖pH传感器的研制

以共价键合的方法将壳聚糖修饰到玻碳电极上制成了pH传感器,探讨了该传感器的性能及作用机理.结果表明该传感器在pH 0.7～11.0的范围内电极电势与pH符合Nernst响应,斜率为58.3 mV/pH,可准确测定较高酸度溶液的pH,克服了玻璃pH传感器的"酸误差"的缺点.该传感器内阻小,易微型化,在一定的pH范围内对温度不敏感且具有较好的准确度和重现性,较快的响应速度.可用于雨水和饮料等实际样品溶液的pH的测定.     

An optical pH sensor with extended detection range based on fluoresceinamine covalently bound to sol–gel support

An optical pH sensor was developed based on the fluorophor, fluoresceinamine isomer II (FA), covalently immobilized in a sol–gel matrix. This sol–gel matrix was created by the copolymerization of two precursors, methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) and 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS), in an ethanolic solution. Fluoresceinamine was covalently bound to the glycidoxypropyl chain group of GPTMS, thereby preventing it from leaching. Moreover, the immobilization of the fluoresceinamine also extended its linear detection range. The sensor showed good repeatability, a short response time of less than 8 s, high long-term stability and no temperature effect in the biologically relevant range. In the pH range of 4–10, the sensor was very sensitive and its linear range was found to be between pH 6 and 9 (R² = 0.995).     

Development of a colorimetric microfluidic pH sensor for autonomous seawater measurements

High quality carbonate chemistry measurements are required in order to fully understand the dynamics of the oceanic carbonate system. Seawater pH data with good spatial and temporal coverage are particularly critical to apprehend ocean acidification phenomena and their consequences. There is a growing need for autonomous in situ instruments that measure pH on remote platforms. Our aim is to develop an accurate and precise autonomous in situ pH sensor for long term deployment on remote platforms. The widely used spectrophotometric pH technique is capable of the required high-quality measurements. We report a key step towards the miniaturization of a colorimetric pH sensor with the successful implementation of a simple microfluidic design with low reagent consumption. The system is particularly adapted to shipboard deployment: high quality data was obtained over a period of more than a month during a shipboard deployment in northwest European shelf waters, and less than 30 mL of indicator was consumed. The system featured a short term precision of 0.001 pH (n = 20) and an accuracy within the range of a certified Tris buffer (0.004 pH). The quality of the pH system measurements have been checked using various approaches: measurements of certified Tris buffer, measurement of certified seawater for DIC and TA, comparison of measured pH against calculated pH from pCO₂, DIC and TA during the cruise in northwest European shelf waters. All showed that our measurements were of high quality. The measurements were made close to in situ temperature (+0.2 ?C) in a sampling chamber which had a continuous flow of the ship’s underway seawater supply. The optical set up was robust and relatively small due to the use of an USB mini-spectrometer, a custom made polymeric flow cell and an LED light source. The use of a three wavelength LED with detection that integrated power across the whole of each LED output spectrum indicated that low wavelength resolution detectors can be used instead of the current USB mini spectrophotometer. Artefacts due to the polychromatic light source and inhomogeneity in the absorption cell are shown to have a negligible impact on the data quality. The next step in the miniaturization of the sensor will be the incorporation of a photodiode as detector to replace the spectrophotometer.     

Characterisation and deployment of an immobilised pH sensor spot towards surface ocean pH measurements

The oceans are a major sink for anthropogenic atmospheric carbon dioxide, and the uptake causes changes to the marine carbonate system and has wide ranging effects on flora and fauna. It is crucial to develop analytical systems that allow us to follow the increase in oceanic pCO₂ and corresponding reduction in pH. Miniaturised sensor systems using immobilised fluorescence indicator spots are attractive for this purpose because of their simple design and low power requirements. The technology is increasingly used for oceanic dissolved oxygen measurements.     

Development of a novel fluorescent sensor to detect a specific range of pH

A novel fluorescent sensor for monitoring the change of pH was developed, based on a structure containing two hydroxyl groups that are sequentially deprotonated as the pH is increased: the first deprotonation increases the fluorescence intensity and the second decreases it. Compared with most reported pH sensors that can detect only whether or not the pH is below or above a specific value, our sensor could detect a specific range of pH (centered on pH 8–9) that should be useful for the study of biological microenvironment.     

ECHELE／CCD感耦等离子体原子发射光谱中信噪比和分析动态范围的研究

ＥＣＨＥＬＥ／ＣＣＤ感耦等离子体原子发射光谱中信噪比和分析动态范围的研究杨原，王小如，应海，覃事栋，万婷，黄本立（厦门大学化学系，厦门，３６１００５）关键词ＣＣＤ模式噪音，ＩＣＰ－ＡＥＳ，ＣＣＤ动态范围扩展电荷感应耦合器件（ＣＣＤ）和中阶梯光栅（ＥＣ...     

Wide range pH measurements using a single H(+)-selective chromoionophore and a time-based flow method

A hydrophilic transparent triacetyl cellulose membrane was adopted as a pH optode by immobilizing highly selective and sensitive Nile blue indicator on the membrane. Contrary to the common procedure for determinations using optodes, in which a steady state response is measured, a new approach is introduced in which the dynamic response of the optode is used as the analytical signal. While in common procedures, pH optodes exhibit limited linear dynamic range (often 2–4 pH units only), it is shown that in a time-based flow method, an optode with only one acid-base indicator can be used for measurement in the pH range of 0–10. The procedure is simple, inexpensive and rapid.     

Fluorescence ratiometric pH sensor prepared from covalently immobilized porphyrin and benzothioxanthene

A fluorescence ratiometric sensor for pH determination is described in this paper. The sensor incorporated the pH-sensitive dye meso-5,10,15,20-tetra-(4-allyloxyphenyl)porphyrin (TAPP) as an indicator and a pH-insensitive dye N-(2-methacryloxyethyl)benzo[k,l]thioxanthene-3,4-dicarboximide (MBTD), a benzothioxanthene derivative, as a reference for fluorescence ratiometric measurement. To prevent leakage of the dyes, both were photocopolymerized with acrylamide, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate on the silanized glass surface. The reproducibility and response time of the prepared sensor were sufficient. Most common coexisting inorganic ions and organic compounds did not interfere with pH sensing. In the acidic pH range from 1.5 to 5.0 the fluorescence intensity ratio of the two dyes varied linearly as a function of pH. The sensing membrane was found to have a lifetime of at least one month. The sensor was applied to the analysis of waste water and artificial samples.     

Integrated chemical sensor array platform based on a light emitting diode, xerogel-derived sensor elements, and high-speed pin printing

We report a new, solid-state, integrated optical array sensor platform. By using pin printing technology in concert with sol-gel-processing methods, we form discrete xerogel-based microsensor elements that are on the order of 100 μm in diameter and 1 μm thick directly on the face of a light emitting diode (LED). The LED serves as the light source to excite chemically responsive luminophores sequestered within the doped xerogel microsensors and the analyte-dependent emission from within the doped xerogel is detected with a charge coupled device (CCD). We overcome the problem of background illumination from the LED reaching the CCD and the associated biasing that results by coating the LED first with a thin layer of blue paint. The thin paint layer serves as an optical filter, knocking out the LEDs red-edge spectral tail. The problem of the spatially-dependent fluence across the LED face is solved entirely by performing ratiometric measurements. We illustrate the performance of the new sensor scheme by forming an array of 100 discrete O₂-responsive sensing elements on the face of a single LED. The combination of pin printing with an integrated sensor and light source platform results in a rapid method of forming (∼1 s per sensor element) reusable sensor arrays. The entire sensor array can be calibrated using just one sensor element. Array-to-array reproducibly is <8%. Arrays can be formed using single or multiple pins with indistinguishable analytical performance.     

三乙醇胺对聚邻苯二胺pH敏感电极性能的影响

在含有邻苯二胺和三乙醇胺(TEA)的酸性溶液中,用循环伏安法(CV)在铂电极上制备聚邻苯二胺(PoPD)薄膜.通过对该薄膜进行深入的电化学分析,并将结果与无三乙醇胺参与的聚邻苯二胺的性能进行比较,发现在三乙醇胺参与下得到的聚邻苯二胺薄膜在铂电极表现出更好的粘附性,同时在氢离子选择性电极方面表现出优良的性能.在pH 2～13范围内具有良好的Nernst响应,直线斜率为59.62 mV/pH,相关系数达0.99以上,碱性条件下响应时间可缩短至30 s左右.该电极对大多数普通干扰物具有较好的选择性,可用于实际样品的测试.