Cross-linked poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) films doped with 1,2-diaminoanthraquinone (DAQ) as efficient materials for the colorimetric sensing of nitric oxide and nitrite anion

A series of cross-linked poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) (polyHEMA) films doped with 1,2-diaminoanthraquinone (DAQ) are described. The synthesis of the DAQ-containing polymers does not require any previous derivatization of the diamine. The films call be used as solid-state colorimetric sensors for nitrite anion as well as for aqueous and gaseous nitric oxide. Polymers show no appreciable leaching of DAQ even after six months of storage in water. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.