Preparation of polythiophene composite film by in situ polymerization at room temperature and its gas response studies

• Published in: Thin solid films Vol. 515; no. 4; pp. 2700 - 2704
• Main Authors: Ma, Xingfa, Li, Guang, Xu, Huizhong, Wang, Mang, Chen, Hongzheng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 05.12.2006; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemistry; Composite film; Electrochemistry; Electrodes: preparations and properties; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; General equipment and techniques; In situ polymerization; Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; Physics; Polythiophene; Properties and characterization; Sensor; Sensors (chemical, optical, electrical, movement, gas, etc.); remote sensing; Vapors; Composite film; In situ polymerization; Polythiophene; Vapors; Sensor; Measurement sensor; Carbon electrode; Polymerization; Polymer films; Fluorides; Thin film; Ammonia; Boron; Room temperature
• ISSN: 0040-6090; 1879-2731
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tsf.2006.07.081

Polythiophene composite film was formed via in situ polymerization at room temperature onto interdigital carbon electrodes immersed into the monomer–oxidant contained mixture by adding a small amount of boron trifluoride etherate. Examinations on the gas sensitivity of polythiophene composite film to a series of vapors were carried out. It was found that the film showed good sensitivity to ammonia, as well as fast response and good reproducibility. Furthermore, the polymer film sensor could be easily recovered by high-purity N2.