Significant sensitivity and stability enhancement of tetraphenylporphyrin-based optical oxygen sensing material in presence of perfluorochemicals

Emission-based oxygen sensing properties of highly luminescent tetraphenylporphyrin molecules were investigated in polystyrene, ethyl cellulose, poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) and poly(isobutylmethacrylate) matrices. The effect of perfluorochemicals (PFCs) on oxygen sensitivity and stability of the sensor materials was also examined. Fluorescence intensity and lifetime measurements of meso-tetraphenylporphyrinato Zn(II) (ZnTPP) and meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (H2TPP) materials were performed in the concentration range of 0-100% pO(2). The fluorescence intensity variation of H2TPP vs. oxygen was 86%. H2TPP-based composite also yielded higher Stern-Volmer constant, faster response and regeneration time, excellent long term photostability and larger linear response range with respect to ZnTPP. The detection limit of oxygen for H2TPP was less than 0.5%. When stored in sealed bags protected from sunlight, no decrease in oxygen sensitivity was observed during approximately five months. As far as we know, the gathered utilization of PFCs and H2TPP embedded in polymer matrices was not previously described in literature, and has present amelioration compared to materials already existing.