Molecularly imprinted polymers for sensing gaseous volatile organic compounds: opportunities and challenges*

Chemical sensors that can detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the subject of extensive research efforts. Among various sensing technologies, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are regarded as a highly promising option for their detection with many advantageous properties, e.g., specific binding-site for template molecules, high recognition specificity, ease of preparation, and chemical stability. This review covers recent advances in the sensing application of MIPs toward various types of VOCs (e.g., aliphatic and aromatic compounds). Particular emphasis has been placed on multiple approaches to the synthesis of MIP-based VOC sensors in association with their performance and sensing mechanisms. Current challenges and opportunities for new VOCsensing applications are also discussed based on MIP technology.

Automated summary

This review discusses recent advances in the use of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The specific binding-sites for template molecules, high recognition specificity, ease of preparation, and chemical stability make MIPs a promising option for VOC sensing. Various synthesis approaches, performance, and sensing mechanisms of MIP-based VOC sensors are emphasized. Challenges and opportunities for new VOC sensing applications using MIP technology are also discussed.