Photoluminescent polymetalloles as chemical sensors

A method to develop inexpensive inorganic polymeric sensors that can provide a sensitivity and selectivity for explosive nitroaromatic compounds. Selectivity is provided by the arrays of 12 different reactive fluorescent sensors to mimic the human olfactory system. The sensors are based on photoluminescence quenching of polymers containing metalloid-metalloid backbones such as Si-Si, Si-Ge, or Ge-Ge. The sensor employs a thin film of photoluminescent copolymers, which is stable in air, water, acids, common organic solvents, and even seawater containing bioorganisms. The detection method involves measurement of the quenching of photoluminescence of the polysilole by the analyte.