Cobalt-containing polyimides for moisture sensing and absorption
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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Preparation of Polyoxometalate-based Photo-responsive Membranes for the Photo-activation of Manganese Oxide Catalysts
Published on: August 7, 2018
Sara R Halper1, Randy M Villahermosa
1Physical Sciences Laboratories, The Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 92957, M2/242, Los Angeles, California 90009-2957, USA. Sara.R.Halper@aero.org
Abstract:
A modified polyimide has been created that both senses and absorbs moisture. The material was prepared by introducing cobalt(II) chloride, a well-known moisture sensing and absorbing metal salt, into a polyimide. The final polymer was found to be fully cured, retaining the metal without any leeching, and was thermally stable. Furthermore, the material underwent a visible color change when exposed to moisture and reverted back to the original color when subsequently dried. The total moisture absorbed was measured with a quartz crystal microbalance. The amount of moisture absorption was found to be proportional to the relative humidity, and the modified polymer was found to have up to 3 times greater moisture absorption compared to the unmodified polymer.
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