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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Electroactive Polymer Nanoparticles Exhibiting Photothermal Properties
Published on: January 8, 2016
Active-ester-based post-functionalized nanofibers with UV-switchable colorimetric response toward HCl and NH3 vapors.
Yawen Huang1, Ruiqi Huang1, Zijun Zhu1
1College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China.
New UV-switchable nanofibers offer rapid visual detection of hazardous acidic and basic vapors. This reusable colorimetric sensor technology enhances safety monitoring with quick response times.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Sensing
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Colorimetric gas sensors offer visual detection of hazardous vapors.
- Reversible and rapid detection methods are crucial for safety monitoring.
- Existing sensors may suffer from dye leaching and limited reusability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop UV-switchable, reusable nanofibers for colorimetric detection of acidic and basic vapors.
- To investigate the covalent immobilization of spiropyran moieties for enhanced material stability.
- To evaluate the sensing performance and reusability of the functionalized nanofibers.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of nanofibers via electrospinning poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate-co-4-acryloyloxybenzophenone).
- Photo-crosslinking and post-functionalization with spiropyran alcohol.
- Characterization of photochromic switching and colorimetric response to HCl and NH3 vapors using UV-Vis spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated spiropyran-functionalized nanofibers with reversible photochromic properties.
- Achieved rapid colorimetric responses to HCl (3.2 s) and NH3 (1.8 s) vapors after UV activation.
- Demonstrated excellent reusability and stability over 10 cycles of UV/visible light and acid/base exposure.
Conclusions:
- Post-functionalized electrospun nanofibers using active ester chemistry are effective for creating reusable colorimetric vapor sensors.
- The developed material offers a promising platform for visual monitoring of hazardous acidic and basic vapors.
- Covalent immobilization of dyes significantly improves sensor durability and reusability.
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