A fluorescent dissolved oxygen sensor with autocalibration based on ruthenium (II) tris-bathophenanthroline complex

Abstract The study describes a submersible fluorescent dissolved oxygen (DO) sensor suitable for aquaculture facilities. The sensor is based on the quenching of fluorescence from ruthenium (II) tris-bathophenanthroline complex, [Ru(dpp)3]2+. One of its precursors, bathophenanthroline (BPhen), was obtained by a green approach with less aggressive reagents than in a classical synthesis. It was embedded in a polymer membrane and attached to a glass window to fabricate a sensing element. The composition and functioning of the sensor are described. It uses an additional red LED for automatic calibration and correction of measurements due to photodegradation of Ru(dpp) over time. The intensity of the red light reflected from the active Ru(II) centres indicates their concentration and allows for automatic correction of the calibration factor. The sensor has demonstrated good linearity in calibration tests; its readings were independent of the presence of common inorganic ions in water, which might interfere with the results. This novel low-cost sensor with autocalibration is expected to be a long-term solution for aquaculture.