Hybridized conducting polymer chemiresistive nano-sensors

SummaryConducting polymers, or conjugated polymers, are a class of polymers containing a sp2 structure that permits delocalized transport of charge carriers. Here these polymers are examined in the context of nanoscale hybridization with carbon nanotubes, graphene, metal nanoparticles or metal oxide nanoparticles, to harness or amplify adsorption, catalytic reaction and transport behavior of additional material systems. The basis for enhancement in these hybrid nanostructures resides in four general structures in which conjugated polymers act as conduits that interface and respond to nanoparticle interactions or conversely play the role of the sensitizing agent to enhance sensitivity, lower detection limit, response time or selectivity of relatively inert substances, ultimately giving rise to high performance sensors. This review is focused on chemiresistive hybrid conducting polymer sensors for detection of gaseous chemicals discussing several recent reports along with strategies for further development of hybrid sensors.

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► Hybridization with metals, metal oxides, carbon nanotubes and graphene is reviewed.
► Four general structures for hybrid conducting polymer nano-sensors are examined.
► Sensing mechanisms include disperse nanoelectrodes, nanogates and CP sensitization.
► Future directions and strategies for development are discussed on a material basis.