Abstract: A method for preparing a gas sensor includes forming a mixture containing an aqueous buffer solution including a dissolved dye, a polymeric precursor of a cross-linked polymeric material, and a cross-linking agent and reacting the polymeric precursor and the cross-linking agent in the mixture to form a gas sensor including micro-compartments of the aqueous buffer solution dispersed in the cross-linked polymeric material.

Abstract: A gas sensor has a first aqueous phase. The aqueous phase is composed of a soluble dye in a buffer. One or more additional agent can be further added to the aqueous phase as for instance an emulisification enhancement agent. The aqueous phase is homogenized into a polymeric precursor forming a emulsion of the aqueous phase in the polymeric precursor. A catalyst and a cross-linking agent are added and the polymeric precursor material allowed to polymerize to form an emulsoid of micro-compartments of the aqueous phase in a polymeric second phase. The micro-compartments of the aqueous phase are dispersed through and permanently suspended in the polymeric second phase.