Semiconducting polymers for gas detection

Conjugated polyenes, and polyesters containing phthalocyanine in their backbone, were synthesized. These polymers were characterized by chemical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, spectral analysis, and X-ray diffraction studies for crystallinity, as well as for their film-forming capability and gas/polymer interactions. Most of the polymers were relatively insensitive to water vapor up to 50 percent relative humidity, but the polyester/phthalocyanine (iron) polymer was relatively insensitive up to 100 percent RH. On the other hand, poly(p-dimethylaminophenylacetylene) was too conductive at 100 percent RH. Of the gases tested, the only ones that gave any evidence of interacting with the polymers were SO2, NOx, HCN and NH3. Poly(imidazole)/thiophene responded to each of these gases at all relative humidities, while the other polymers gave varying response, depending upon the RH. Thus, since most of these gases were electron-accepting, the electron-donating character of poly(imidazole)/thiophene substantiates the concept of electronegativity being the operating principle for interaction effects. Of the six polymers prepared, poly(imidazole)/thiophene first showed a very good response to smoldering cotton, but it later became nonresponsive; presumably due to oxidation effects.