Self-assembled π-conjugated Cu(ii)-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole superstructures for VOC sensing and enhanced...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Self-assembled smart materials are crucial for sensing and electronics.
• π-Conjugated molecules form superstructures with useful optoelectronic properties.
• Copper(II) complexes of π-conjugated ligands for self-assembly are underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel π-conjugated phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole ligands and their copper(II) complexes.
• To investigate the self-assembly behavior and resulting superstructure morphologies.
• To evaluate their potential for volatile organic compound (VOC) sensing and supercapacitor applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of π-conjugated ligands (S1, S2) and their Cu(II) complexes ((S1)2Cu, (S2)2Cu).
• Scanning Kelvin Probe (SKP) measurements for VOC detection.
• Surface photovoltage (SPV) measurements for selectivity.
• Electrochemical evaluation for supercapacitor performance.

Main Results:

• Self-assembled superstructures with distinct morphologies were formed.
• (S1)2Cu and (S2)2Cu selectively detected acetone vapors.
• (S1)2Cu demonstrated superior acetone selectivity via SPV.
• Supercapacitors based on (S1)2Cu achieved 230.0 F g-1 with good stability.

Conclusions:

• Metal-coordinated π-conjugated systems offer a pathway to advanced functional materials.
• The developed Cu(II) complexes show potential for sensitive VOC detection.
• These materials are promising candidates for high-performance aqueous supercapacitors.