The general objective of this project is to develop synthetic methods and optimize the construction of conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) architectures, based on multifunctionalized triphenylamine (TPA) building blocks as solid-state sensors for detecting harmful nitroaromatic compounds through electrochemical or fluorescent methods. The main effort of this work will be dedicated analyzing and adjusting of particular molecular determinants that govern the fine-tuning of nanoscale polymer structures (skeleton and pores), while enhancing their performance as solid-state sensors.

Scientific specific objectives of the project:

Objective 1. Synthesis and characterization of oligomers with branched, star and dendrimeric structures as precursors.

Objective 2. Synthesis of the CMPs by electropolymerization and emulsion polymerization of the branched, star or dendrimer structures and their characterization.

Objective 3. Porosity evaluation and surface morphology evaluation.

Objective 4. Test the electrochemical/fluorescence detection efficiency of the obtained CMPs against the nitro-aromatic derivatives.

Objective 5. Critical assessment of the project results and writing of the final report.