Aza[5]helicene/MWCNTs selective sensors

Organic materials based on π-conjugated molecules are intensively studied nowadays in the field of organic semiconductors as a complement to the shortcomings of inorganic semiconductors [1, 2]. Organic semiconductors offer, with respect to current inorganic-based technology, greater substrate compatibility, device processability, flexibility, large area coverage, and reduced cost. Recently, we prepared a composite resistive gas sensor based on diazabenzo[ghi]perylene/ MWCNTs thin films on alumina [3], showing large variations of the electrical resistance with varying the relative humidity and acetic acid concentration. In this work we covalently bonded a derivatized monoaza[5]helicene to MWCNTs, realizing a composite material for phenol sensing. The three-dimensional helical π-system anchored on MWCNTs possesses a combination of chirality and electron transfer efficiency, which could lead to the development of novel electrode materials with inherently strong chiral properties.