Characterization of poly(2,6-diphenyl-p-phenylene oxide) films as adsorbent for microfabricated preconcentrators

This work aims at evaluating poly(2,6-diphenyl-p-phenylene oxide) (Tenax TA), in the form of thin films, as an adsorbent material for various analytical applications. The physical properties of the polymer were studied with regard to surface topography, crystal structure, and thermal stability. Films deposited from solution at different substrate temperatures were studied and compared to the granular form of the polymer. It was found that Tenax TA deposited from solution have a different topography compared to their granular counterpart. The films possess a complex phase composition that includes crystalline and amorphous phases. The films showed high thermal stability (400 °C) similar to the granular form. The adsorption performance of the polymer compared to other possible adsorbent films such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and layer-by-layer assembled gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were also investigated. Representative volatile organic compound samples were used to compare the adsorption properties of Tenax TA films to that of the granules.