Dual-Hydrogen Bond Donor-Functionalized Carbon Nanotube Fibers: Enhancing Anion-Sensing Performance Through Functionalization Approaches

Abstract

In this study, chemiresistive anion sensors are developed using carbon nanotube fibers (CNTFs) functionalized with squaramide-based dual-hydrogen bond donors (SQ1 and SQ2) and systematically compared the sensing properties attained by two different functionalization methods. Model structures of the selectors are synthesized based on a squaramide motif incorporating an electron-withdrawing group. Anion-binding studies of SQ1 and SQ2 are conducted using UV–vis titrations to elucidate the anion-binding properties of the selectors. These studies revealed that the chemical interaction with acetate (AcO−) induced the deprotonation of both SQ1 and SQ2. Selectors are functionalized onto the CNTFs using either covalent or non-covalent functionalization. For covalent functionalization, SQ1 is chemically formed on the surface of the CNTFs, whereas SQ2 is non-covalently functionalized to the surface of the CNTFs assisted by poly(4-vinylpyridine). The results showed that non-covalently functionalized CNTFs exhibited a 3.6-fold higher sensor response toward 33.33 mm AcO− than covalently functionalized CNTFs. The selector library is expanded using diverse selectors, such as TU- and CA-based selectors, which are non-covalently functionalized on CNTFs and presented selective AcO−-sensing properties. To demonstrate on-site and real-time anion detection, anion sensors are integrated into a sensor module that transferred the sensor resistance to a smartphone via wireless communication.