More Than Another Halochromic Polymer: Thiazole-Based Conjugated Polymer Transistors for Acid-Sensing Applications

Abstract

Stimuli-responsive π-conjugated materials present opportunities for chemical sensing, whereby through interaction with an analyte the π-conjugated system undergoes a change in molecular geometry and/or electronic structure which can be detected as a change in either the optical or electrical characteristics. Here, a naphthalene diimide donor–acceptor conjugated polymer, poly­(2,7-bis­(2-decyl­tetradecyl)-4-methyl-9-(5′-methyl-[2,2′-bithiazol]-5-yl)­benzo­[lmn]­[3,8]-phenanthroline-1,3,6,8­(2H,7H)-tetraone) (PNDI2Tz), is reported as an acid sensing material. Shifts in the UV–vis spectroscopic signature of PNDI2Tz in the presence of protic and Lewis acids were investigated. In addition, PNDI2Tz-based n-channel organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) were fabricated and shown to respond to the gas phase Lewis acid, boron trifluoride (BF3), whereby the transistors reproducibly turn off in the presence of 60 ppm BF3.

Tailoring Thiazole Decorated Polymer with Benzoselenadiazole for Enhanced SO2 Sensing

“…This is because they possess unique properties, such as excellent sensitivity, selectivity, improved electrical properties, light weight, ability to operate at room temperature, and flexibility. These properties are achieved by introducing specific functional groups into the side chain of the CPs. ,, …”

“…Thiazole decorated polymers are currently receiving significant attention among CPs due to their electron-deficient behavior. The introduction of a thiazole ring in the CPs increases their oxidative stability and ionization potential and enhances their interaction with other molecules through van der Waals forces and charge transfer behavior. , The presence of nitrogen in the thiazole ring imparts the polymers a basic nature, allowing for acid–base interactions and further enhancing charge transfer absorption . Reichmanis et al have developed a π-conjugated polymer based on thiazole and investigated the chemical sensing of protic and Lewis acids .…”