Robust pH-responsive group IV metal oxide functionalized porous silicon platforms

• ZrO2, HfO2 functionalized porous silicon platforms were fabricated.
• FTIR spectroscopy shows ZrO2 and HfO2 covalently bonded to the ox-pSi surface.
• MOx-pSi were pH-responsive over multiple pH 2-12 cycles.
• MOx-pSi exhibits improved photostability and shelf life under ambient conditions.

We report a high stability pH-responsive sensor based on group IV metal oxide (ZrO2 and HfO2) functionalized porous silicon (pSi). These hybrid metal oxide-pSi (MOx-pSi) materials were tested during repeated pH 2-12 cycling and during continuous UV illumination. The photoluminescence (PL) response proved to be fully reversible unlike uncoated pSi. The MOx-pSi sensor platform was also stable for at least three years.

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