Optical Vapors Sensing Capabilities of Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity

Abstract

Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIMs) represent a novel class of polymer–based organic microporous materials that offer unrivaled scope for membrane separations, heterogeneous catalysis and hydrogen storage. In this work, we have explored for the first time the vapors sensing capability of PIMs. The solubility of the polymer in aprotic polar solvents allowed the incorporation of a strongly fluorescent dye (Nile Red). The materials, synthesized by a chemical route, were analyzed by absorption and emission spectroscopy, FT–IR spectroscopy, nitrogen physisorption measurements and X–ray diffraction. In particular the sensing capabilities of the hybrids toward ethanol vapors were tested and the kinetic profiles highlighted the optimal behavior of the films as related to sensitivity, response and recovery speed and reproducibility.