Electropolymerized Ultrathin Chromophore Films for VOC Sensing

Porphyrin containing thin film colorimetric sensors for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been synthesized and characterized. Electropolymerization has been employed to synthesize robust poly-tetrakis(4-aminophenyl)porphyrin films. Production of films by this method allows for fine control over thickness allowing for rapid responses to analytes. While many techniques used to produce thin films rely on electrostatics, these films are covalently linked, yielding excellent structural integrity upon repeated exposure to organic solvents. Several transition metals have been inserted into the porphyrin films to modulate the sensory response based upon the affinity of particular transition metals to organic analytes.