Fabrication of imprinted photonic films via predesigned multiple UV‐polymerizations and their ability to detect solvents and metal ions in aqueous solution. Issue 31 (27th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hung, Yi‐Hua; Liu, Chun‐Yen; Chang, Kai‐Ti; Chen, Yi‐Ho; Liu, Jui‐Hsiang
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied polymer science. Volume 138:Issue 31(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-03-27
• Subjects: copolymers -- optical properties -- sensors and actuators; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/app.50766
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8995

Abstract

Abstract: To synthesize photonic films without a chiral dopant, a predesigned multiple photopolymerization process was carried out. The photonic films were prepared by the photopolymerization of a mixture of chiral nematic liquid crystals. After polymerization, the chiral dopant, CB15, was removed and recycled. The imprinted photonic polymer films showed Bragg reflection without the presence of the chiral dopant. Upon the sensing of solvents in aqueous solution, significant color changes and peak shifts were observed by the naked eye and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, respectively. A linear calibration curve between the central wavelength of the reflection band of the fabricated imprinting film and the volume ratio of 1, 4‐dioxane in water was observed. Furthermore, the sensing of chloroform content in methanol, ethanol, and acetone via the imprinted film were also investigated. The results suggest that the synthesized imprinted photonic films can detect different kinds of mixed solvents. The sensing properties of the photonic films were further improved by copolymerization with a rhodamine‐derived monomer. The synthesized modified photonic films can detect heavy metal ions in aqueous solution. This study reports a novel, recyclable, and easy approach to detect organic solvents and copper ions in aqueous solution. Abstract : Two different cholesteric liquid crystal imprinted films were successfully synthesized by multiple photopolymerizations. The synthesized imprinted film was capable of detecting various solvents, including methanol, acetone, THF, chloroform and 1, 4‐dioxane. The synthesized rhodamine hydrazine‐derived monomer was incorporated into imprinted film showing the ability to detect copper ions in aqueous solution through a color change and UV‐vis spectra variation. This study reported on a novel, recyclable and easy approach to detect organic solvents and copper ions in aqueous solution.