Abstract: The present invention relates to a highly fluorescent conjugated silole polymer and an explosive vapor sensor using the same. The highly fluorescent conjugated silole polymer is a rigid 2,5-polysilole-based conjugated polymer having benzene subunits containing sterically hindered functional groups (X) at the 2,5 positions of the silole backbone. The penetration of explosive vapors is facilitated by the cavity structure of the silole polymer due to aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) effects. The fluorescent conjugated silole polymer exhibits a fluorescence quenching process upon exposure to explosive vapors and a photoluminescence (PL) recovery process upon removal of explosive vapors, indicating that it may be applied as an explosive vapor sensor capable of real-time detection.

Abstract: A method to develop inexpensive inorganic polymeric sensors that can provide a sensitivity and selectivity for explosive nitroaromatic compounds. Selectivity is provided by the arrays of 12 different reactive fluorescent sensors to mimic the human olfactory system. The sensors are based on photoluminescence quenching of polymers containing metalloid-metalloid backbones such as Si—Si, Si—Ge, or Ge—Ge. The sensor employs a thin film of photoluminescent copolymers, which is stable in air, water, acids, common organic solvents, and even seawater containing bioorganisms. The detection method involves measurement of the quenching of photoluminescence of the polysilole by the analyte.

Abstract: A method to develop inexpensive inorganic polymeric sensors that can provide a sensitivity and selectivity for explosive nitroaromatic compounds. Selectivity is provided by the arrays of 12 different reactive fluorescent sensors to mimic the human olfactory system. The sensors are based on photoluminescence quenching of polymers containing metalloid-metalloid backbones such as Si-Si, Si-Ge, or Ge-Ge. The sensor employs a thin film of photoluminescent copolymers, which is stable in air, water, acids, common organic solvents, and even seawater containing bioorganisms. The detection method involves measurement of the quenching of photoluminescence of the polysilole by the analyte.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polysilole and polygermole compounds. The silicon or germanium ring atom is directly linked in the polymer to another silicon or germanium ring atom from another polymer unit. The result is compounds that fluoresce and have electroluminescence. Coupling reactions to form such compounds are also disclosed.