The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

To realize high-performance organic gas sensors, enhancing both sensitivity and selectivity toward specific gases remains a critical challenge. Here, we report a strategy to improve gas adsorption by incorporating metal cation-exchanged zeolites into poly(3-hexylthiphene). 13X zeolites were ion-exchanged with Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Mg²⁺, enabling tunable surface basicity and charge density. These modifications affected chemical interactions with acidic gases. Larger ions such as Cs⁺ and Rb⁺ promoted acid-base interactions, enhancing adsorption and sensor responses. In contrast, small ions with high charge density, like Mg²⁺ and Li⁺, increased dipole interactions, enabling reversible and rapid sensing. Gas response varied with ion type, highlighting the role of ionic properties in surface reactivity. This study demonstrates the potential of ion-tuned zeolites-polymer hybrids fir selective and stable gas sensing at room temperature.