Hydrogel-integrated FBG sensors for real-time pH monitoring

Abstract

The growing need for precise monitoring of critical parameters like pH has driven significant advancements in sensing technologies. FBG sensors, known for their high precision and adaptability, have emerged as a transformative tool for real-time measurements. This study explores the integration of an FBG sensor with a pH-responsive hydrogel to develop a system capable of accurate, real-time pH monitoring. The hydrogel exhibited measurable responses to pH variations, effectively translating these changes into wavelength shifts detected by the FBG sensor. Testing was conducted across a pH range of 3 to 7, with notable sensitivity in acidic conditions. This innovative system demonstrated high sensitivity of 4.1±0.7pm/unit pH, emphasizing its potential for diverse applications such as healthcare, environmental monitoring, and industrial processes

Keywords: Hydrogels, Bragg wavelengths, Environmental monitoring, Sensors