Preparation of intrinsically conductive polymer impregnated open cell foams and their use as sensory filters

摘要

Intrinsically conductive polymers (ICPs) are especially attractive in sensor applications for the following reasons: i. The signal can be measured as a change in resistance (conductivity) ii. Can be easily prepared from inexpensive commercially available materials iii. Operate as chemiresistive sensors by two mechanisms iv. Long term stability in conductivity v. High thermal stability (compared to other organic polymers) and vi. Low power requirements. Conductive polymers can be prepared in a straight-forward fashion utilizing inexpensive materials. There have been numerous examples of thin films of conducting polymers used as volatile organic compound sensors. However, very few sensors have been reported for conducting polymers within a porous substrate.