A method for the production of a sol-gel based matrix resulting in a sol-gel based matrix with high stability and high porosity. The sol-gel based material may be used for the production of a composite or sensor suitable for monitoring analytes.

A method for the production of a sol-gel based matrix resulting in a sol-gel based matrix with high stability and high porosity. The sol-gel based material may be used for the production of a composite or sensor suitable for monitoring analytes.

The present invention relates to a method for the production of a sol-gel based matrix. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a first alkoxysilane of the general formula: R.sup.1Si(OR.sup.2).sub.3 and a second alkoxysilane of the general formula (I): b) preparing a first sol-gel component by polymerization of the first alkoxysilane in the presence of an acid catalyst, c) preparing a second sol-gel component by polymerization of the second alkoxysilane in the presence of an Lewis acid catalyst, d) Mixing the first sol-gel component and the second sol-gel component for the preparation of a sol-gel based matrix. The above method results in a sol-gel based matrix with high stability and high porosity. The sol-gel based material may be used for the production of a composite or sensor suitable for monitoring analytes. Methods for preparing these composites or sensors are provided as well.