Imine-based dynamic polymer networks as photoprogrammable amine sensing devices

Here, we describe a “smart” polymeric material, which is able to readily detect and discriminate amine vapors. The dynamic imine-based network can be conveniently prepared by mixing a commercially available, amino-functionalized polysiloxane with small amounts of a diarylethene dialdehyde. The photoswitchable crosslinker allows for reversible imprinting of custom-designed patterns on the polymer surface with (sun)light and thus enables noninvasive information storage in the material, which before, during, and after amine exposure can readily be decoded with commonly used smartphone apps. This feature along with the self-healing nature of the dynamic polymer, an easy recycling and manufacturing procedure, and the overall low cost and toxicity render this material advantageous to develop low-cost and practical amine sensing devices for the broad public. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2378–2382.