Development of universal pH sensing electrospun nanofibers

Electrospinning is a simple technique to produce polymer nanofibers having special sensing property with the added advantages of nanostructures. In the present study pH sensitive nanofibrous membrane was developed by incorporating a suitable combination of pH indicating dyes during electrospinning. They are capable of detecting pH values in the range of 1-10 by indicating unique color code for each pH. Studies performed showed successful nanofiber formation with the halochromic behavior of the dye intact. It was also found that the developed pH sensitive nanocomposite fibers are stable for long period of time and wide range of temperature, moisture and pH. Present study opens up new possibilities for the development of wide range pH nanosensors development which could have wide industrial applications. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.