N-alkylation briefly constructs tunable multifunctional sensor materials: Multianalyte detection and reversible adsorption.

ABSTRACT: A series of N-alkyl-substituted polybenzimidazoles (SPBIs), synthesized by simple condensation and N-alkylation, act as functional materials with tunable microstructures and sensing performance. For their controllable morphologies, the formation of nano-/microspheres is observed at the n(RBr)/n(PBI) feed ratio of 5:1. Products with different degrees of alkylation can recognize metal ions and nitroaromatic compounds (NACs). For example, SPBI-c, obtained at the feed ratio of 1:1, can selectively detect Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, and NACs. By contrast, SPBI-a, obtained at the feed ratio of 0.1:1, can exclusively detect Cu²⁺ with high sensitivity. Their sensing mechanisms have been studied by FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, XPS, and D

SUBMITTER: Pang CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8487030 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature