Polymers as active chemical sensors

Conjugated polymers are powerfiil fluorescent materials, which makes them suitable for applications as chemical sensors. Chart 13.1 presents the structures of some typical polymers that are applicable for the detection of analytes at low concentrations. These polymers include poly(p-phenylene ethynylene), PPE poly(p-phenylene vinylene), PPV polyacetylene and polyfluorene. Those polymers bearing ionizable pendant groups are water-soluble polyelectrolytes. 

Chart 13.1 Chemical structures of typical conjugated polymers used as chemical sensors for organic compounds. 

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