Abstract: A method of making an optochemical sensor, the method comprising: providing a reflective substrate having a major surface; affixing a detection layer comprising at least one intrinsically microporous polymer to at least a portion of the major surface; depositing a substantially continuous semi-reflective metallic layer on at least a portion of the detection layer, the semi-reflective metallic layer comprising palladium and having a network of fine irregular cracks therein; and heating the detection layer and semi-reflective metallic layer in the presence of molecular oxygen at a temperature sufficient to cause the cracks to widen. Sensors prepared according to method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Plasma deposited microporous analyte detection layers, method of forming analyte detection layers, and analyte sensors including the same are disclosed. An analyte sensor includes a substrate and a microporous amorphous random covalent network layer. The microporous amorphous random covalent network layer includes silicon, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen with a mean pore size in a range from 0.5 to 10 nanometers and an optical thickness in a range from 0.2 to 2 micrometers.

Abstract: A porous sheet article including a self-supporting nonwoven web of less than 20 weight percent polymeric fibers exhibiting no more than about 1 weight percent dimethyl methyl phosphonate uptake and at least 80 weight percent sorbent particles enmeshed in the web, the sorbent particles being sufficiently evenly distributed in the web and the fiber polymer(s) being such that the web has an Adsorption Factor A of at least 1.6×104/mm water. The articles have low pressure drop and can provide filter elements and other individual or collective protection devices having long service lives and an Adsorption Factor approaching and in some instances exceeding that of a packed carbon bed.

Abstract: A porous sheet article comprising a self-supporting nonwoven web of polymeric fibers and at least 80 weight percent sorbent particles enmeshed in the web, the fibers having sufficiently greater elasticity or sufficiently greater crystallization shrinkage than similar caliper polypropylene fibers and the sorbent particles being sufficiently evenly distributed in the web so that the web has an Adsorption Factor A of at least 1.6×104/mm water. The articles have low pressure drop and can provide filter elements having long service life and an Adsorption Factor approaching and in some instances exceeding that of a packed carbon bed.