Synthesis and properties of novel electroactive polyamide containing crown ether in the main chain

A new electroactive polyamide with dibenzo-18-crown-6 and well-defined oligoaniline in the main chain was synthesized through oxidative coupling polymerization. The structure of the electroactive copolymer was confirmed by FTIR, NMR spectroscopy. And its electrochemical activity was tested in 0.5 M H2SO4 aqueous solution and it shows three redox peaks. Moreover, the UV–vis absorption attenuation of the copolymer solution was found upon K+ binding, but the absorption had hardly change on Na+. We found the polymer has selectivity toward K+ ions. So it has a potential application in chemical sensors.