BPB dye confined growth of surfactant-assisted mesostructured silica matrix fiber optic sensing tracers

Abstract

Thermally stable surfactant modified silica nano-matrix is synthesized by the sol–gel method at low temperature. The surfactant such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) assisted silica matrix is encapsulated with bromophenol blue (BPB) for sensing activities. Prepared nano-matrix consists of numerous morphological structures such as a pseudo-spherical, hierarchal and islands. The morphology of mesoporous high surface area matrices is strongly affected by CTAB, BPB dye and the aging conditions that determine the transformation from disordered silica nano-matrix morphologies to ordered encapsulated structures. Furthermore, smooth surface matrices with low surface roughness 1.2 nm, low refractive index 1.36, large pores and small dimensions of heteroatoms contribute to the stable sensing activities. The response of coated fiber optic is determined at dynamic pH range 1–12. The prepared sensor has reversibility/repeatability, stability and fast response time of approximately 0.25 s in basic media. The accuracy of sensing device measurements in household ammonia solution and the borax solution suggested that prepared device has clear potential for daily life usage. Keywords: Silica nano-matrix, Bromophenol blue dye, Mesoporous structure, Optical properties, Evanescent field optical fiber sensors, Sensitivity