Examination of the structure of sol–gel derived matrices for optoelectronic sensors

Abstract Sol–gel technology was used to produce glass-like materials doped with different compounds. The sol–gel matrices were prepared on the way of acid hydrolysis. Two types of materials in the form of thin layers were examined: sol–gel bulk type (type I) and thin film type (type II). The structure was visualized by means of a light microscope. The microscopic images were digitized and their luminances were calculated. The thin film type (type II) matrices were investigated also by means of small-angle light scattering. The material properties with dopants such as albumin, ruthenium complex and osmium tetraoxide were examined. The type II matrices showed more homogeneous structure. Lower scattering in doped materials than in the pure matrices was observed.