Optical sensor

Abstract

An optical sensor for monitoring an environmental condition, the optical sensor comprising a perfluorosulfonate ionomer membrane comprising a solution, wherein the solution comprises a transition metal-free dye component, wherein exposure of the optical sensor to a specific environmental condition produces a color shift on the optical sensor.

1 . An optical sensor for monitoring an environmental condition, the optical sensor comprising a perfluorosulfonate ionomer membrane comprising a solution, wherein the solution comprises a transition metal-free dye component, wherein exposure of the optical sensor to a specific environmental condition produces a color shift on the optical sensor. 
     
     
         2 . The optical sensor according to  claim 1 , wherein the solution comprises an aromatic-diamine. 
     
     
         3 . The optical sensor according to  claim 2 , wherein the aromatic-diamine comprises 3,4-diaminobenzophenone. 
     
     
         4 . The optical sensor according to  claim 1 , wherein the solution comprises an azo-based dye. 
     
     
         5 . The optical sensor according to  claim 1 , wherein the solution comprises benzene-1,3-diol. 
     
     
         6 . The optical sensor according to  claim 1 , wherein the specific environmental condition comprises presence of diacetyl. 
     
     
         7 . The optical sensor according to  claim 1 , wherein the specific environmental condition comprises presence of vinyl acetate. 
     
     
         8 . The optical sensor according to  claim 1 , wherein the specific environmental condition comprises presence of 2,3-pentanedione. 
     
     
         9 . The optical sensor according to  claim 1 , wherein the specific environmental condition comprises presence of trimellitic anhydride. 
     
     
         10 . The optical sensor according to  claim 1 , wherein the specific environmental condition comprises presence of phthalic anhydride. 
     
     
         11 . The optical sensor according to  claim 1 , wherein the specific environmental condition comprises presence of maleic anhydride. 
     
     
         12 . The optical sensor according to  claim 1 , wherein the specific environmental condition comprises presence of ionic platinum. 
     
     
         13 . The optical sensor according to  claim 1 , wherein the specific environmental condition comprises presence of glucose. 
     
     
         14 . The optical sensor according to  claim 1 , wherein the specific environmental condition comprises pH level in breath condensate. 
     
     
         15 . A method of monitoring an environmental condition with an optical sensor comprising a perfluorosulfonate ionomer membrane comprising a solution, wherein the solution comprises a transition metal-free dye component, the method comprising the steps of:
 exposing the optical sensor in an environment; and   examining the optical sensor for color shift associated with a specific environmental condition.   
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the examining comprises visually inspecting the optical sensor. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the examining comprises analyzing the optical sensor using portable or remote spectroscopic analysis. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the monitoring occurs continuously at ambient conditions. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 15 , further comprising emitting an alarm when the optical sensor indicates a specific environmental condition. 
     
     
         20 . A method of manufacturing an optical sensor for monitoring an environmental condition, the method comprising the steps of:
 preparing a solution, wherein the solution comprises a transition metal-free dye component;   immersing a perfluorosulfonate ionomer membrane in the solution; and   removing the membrane from the solution after it has absorbed the solution.   
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 20 , wherein preparing comprises dissolving an aromatic-diamine in alcohol. 
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 21 , wherein the aromatic-diamine comprises 3,4-diaminobenzophenone. 
     
     
         23 . The method according to  claim 20 , wherein preparing comprises dissolving an azo-based dye in alcohol. 
     
     
         24 . The method according to  claim 20 , wherein preparing comprises dissolving benzene-1,3-diol in alcohol.