Characterization of a fluorescent sol–gel encapsulated erythrosin B dissolved oxygen sensor Original Research Article

A thin film dissolved oxygen sensor was fabricated by trapping erythrosin B in a sol–gel matrix. No phosphorescence was observed when the sensor was immersed in water. Very weak phosphorescence was observed when erythrosin B was dissolved in aqueous ethanol and acetone solutions. However, fluorescence at 590 nm, which was efficiently quenched by dissolved oxygen, was observed from the doped sol–gel sensor in water. A singlet oxygen feedback mechanism was proposed. Good sensitivity and stability were observed for this detector.