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.