Novel hybridized SWCNT–PCD: synthesis and host–guest inclusion for electrical sensing recognition of persistent organic pollutants

Abstract

Fabrication of a hybridized single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) device based on novel sensing material mono-6-deoxy-6-(p-aminophenylamino)-β-cyclodextrin (PCD) via a facile approach has been reported for the first time; moreover, the hybridized material PCD-decorated SWCNTs (SWCNT–PCD) can be characterized by ultraviolet–visible–near infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The PCD-decorated SWCNT devices have been employed to detect Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) on the basis of formation of an inclusion complex with guest molecules between SWCNT–PCD and POPs, such as 2,4,5-trichlorobiphenyl (TCB), etc. The significant variation of the electrical conductance of the SWCNT–PCD hybrid corresponding to the presence of several POPs with different adsorption efficiencies on the surface indicates that the hybrid is highly sensitive to some specific POP molecules, implying that hybridized SWCNT–PCD has great potential in application as an environmental monitor. In order to make a quantitative assessment of the inclusion complexation behavior of PCD with these POP molecules, microcalorimetric titration experiments and discussions have been carried out.