Development of universal pH sensors based on textiles

We report that halochromic textiles are promising sensory system for measuring changes in pH. The system is easy to manage and process. In this study a universal pH sensitive textile was developed using a sol–gel method, which recorded pH by displaying unique color. The indicators incorporated in the sol system are different and are dependent on the substrate used. Samples demonstrated sufficient stability against leaching on account of the hybrid structure generated in the silicon matrix. Moreover, the interaction between the gel matrix and indicators depended on the charges and size of the guest molecules, and the tensile strength of cotton was enhanced by the gel film. The present research opens up new avenues to develop sensors based on textiles which have the potential to be employed in wider industrial applications.