Halochromism of a polythiophene derivative induced by conformational changes and its sensing application of carbon dioxide

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2013 Jun 26;5(12):5783-7. doi: 10.1021/am401761n. Epub 2013 Jun 5.

Abstract

We report the design and synthesis of a halochromic polythiophene derivative, whose conformation can be alternated between random coil and rodlike phase by adjusting the pH of the solution. Distinct solution color changes associated with the pH-induced conformational transitions can be used to construct a colorimetric probe for sensing carbon dioxide. This probe can be recovered by bubbling nitrogen gas into carbon dioxide-treated solutions for over 20 cycles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorption
  • Carbon Dioxide / analysis*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nitrogen
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
  • Temperature
  • Thiophenes / chemistry*

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Thiophenes
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • polythiophene
  • Nitrogen