From mono- to polytopic interactions via hydrogen bonds — Capacitive sensor studies

Supra molecular materials can be generated via hydrogen bonding between monomers. This leads either to “monotopic” molecules as well as self-assemblies of a restricted number of complementary components as “di-” or “polytopic” molecules with more than one functional unit. The latter structures grow spontaneously by self organization and in principle consist of repeatedly branched chain molecules analogous to dendrimers. When disturbing these aggregates by analyte molecules (e.g. volatile organic compounds), the supra molecular structures break down leading to a pronounced change in dielectric behavior that is detectable with inter digital capacitors. “Monotopic”-materials show linear behavior with increasing analyte concentration whereas “polytopic” molecules lead to properties resembling a threshold sensor.