Analytical Sciences

Applications of Ionic Liquids for the Development of Optical Chemical Sensors and Biosensors

Svetlana V. MUGINOVA,* Dina A. MYASNIKOVA,** Sergei G. KAZARIAN,*** and Tatiana N. SHEKHOVTSOVA*

*Analytical Chemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, bd. 3, Moscow 119991, GSP-1, Russia
**Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
***Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK

This paper reviews the primary literature reporting the use of ionic liquids (ILs) in optical sensing technologies. The optical chemical sensors that have been developed with the assistance of ILs are classified according to the type of resultant material. Key aspects of applying ILs in such sensors are revealed and discussed. They include using ILs as solvents for the synthesis of sensor matrix materials; additives in polymer matrices; matrix materials; modifiers of the surfaces; and multifunctional sensor components. The operational principles, design, texture, and analytical characteristics of the offered sensors for determining CO₂, O₂, metal ions, CN⁻, and various organic compounds are critically discussed. The key advantages and disadvantages of using ILs in optical sensing technologies are defined. Finally, the applicability of the described materials for chemical analysis is evaluated, and possibilities for their further modernization are outlined.

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