Terrorism prevention amongst host of applications for UK developed photonic sensor

In a study featured in Advanced Materials engineers from the University explain how they have used material compounds known as Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) to develop a ‘photo-chemically’ active nano-scale sensing technology. The material - known as “OX-1” for Oxford University-1 material - senses and responds to light and chemicals, visibly changing colour, depending on the substance that has been detected.

MOFs are highly tuneable and have been described as ‘solid molecular sponges’, with the ability to soak up and respond to a number of solvents and gasses. They are created from highly porous frameworks where metal atoms are bridged by organic linker molecules. The physical and chemical properties of these frameworks can be engineered to allow scientists to control the precise functionality of the material.

The technologies ability to recogsnise a vast range of reactive surfaces opens it up to a variety of applications, including hand-held medical devices for non-invasive diagnosis and therapy, and biosensors for safeguarding against chemical poisoning and food contamination.