Doped polymeric systems produced by sol-gel technology: Optical properties and potential industrial applications

Abstract

A review of the studies on sol-gel technology application to the production of doped polymeric systems, which can be applied as new optical materials: tunable lasers, sensors, waveguides, photochromic or electrochromic materials and semiconductors. Sol-gel method based on hydrolysis and subsequent polycondensation of precursors, such as organo-silicon alkoxides (Scheme A), leading to formation of porous glass was described. The matrices for incorporation of organically active dopants in are produced from this glass. The matrices can be the glass/polymer composites, organically modified silicates (ORMOSIL) or hybrid materials zirconia - silica - polyurethane (ZSUR) (Schemes B - E). The characteristics of examples of laser dyes forming the solid tunable lasers are given. Finally, the description of semiconductors produced by incorporation of nanoparticles into the matrices discussed has been presented.