Mechanistic studies on the interactions between poly(pyrrole) and organic vapors

Results relating to the application of conducting polymers as chemiresistors for the sensing of vapors are reported. In particular, we describe the use of a piezoelectric microbalance with gold electrodes on which we have electrochemically deposited a thin layer of poly(pyrrole). Uptake of a selection of common neutral organic vapors, covering a range of physical properties, is then measured at the same time as measurement of the resistance of a similar thickness of poly(pyrrole) deposited on a narrow-gap resistance probe. Mass uptake and resistance change are considered together to avoid masking the real trends caused by differences in polymer-solvent compatibilities