Transmittance examination in sol-gel derived matrices for optoelectronic applications

The sol-gel-derived materials provide excellent matrices for a variety of o rganic and inorganic compounds. They can be exploited for the construction of various optoelectronic devices, including semiconductors or optodes of f iberoptic sensors. Different types of materials were studied: pure sol-gel matrices prepared on the way of acid hydrolysis, various doped matrices wit h embedded albumin, urease and osmium tetraoxide, as well as high-temperatu re treated sol-gel bulks. The transmittance spectra were measured in visibl e, as well as in W region. The room temperature stored samples show the hig hest transmittance in both: visible and in UV spectrum, compared to the hea ted ones. The transmittances of heated matrices depend strongly on the heat ing temperature. The influence of the dopants on the matrices transmittance behavior is studied, as well. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights re served.