Embedding 1D Conducting Channels into 3D Isoporous Polymer Films for High Performance Humidity Sensing

Isoporous block copolymer (BCP) films have received exponential interest as highly selective membranes, stemming from their unique morphological features, but their applications in functional devices remain to be realized. Here, we demonstrate for the first time efficient incorporation of single-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) into isoporous block copolymer films for chemiresistive sensing at room temperature. Leveraging the efficient charge extraction ability of CNTs together with nanochannel arrays aligned perpendicular to the surface of the films, we achieved an ultrafast response time of 0.3 s for humidity detection with a sensor response of ~800 on changing humidity from 10% to 95%. Furthermore, the sensor responds efficiently to various organic vapors, underscoring its promising detection capability.