Surface functionalization of chalcogenide infrared photonic sensor by polymer membrane devoted to water pollution

Abstract

This thesis investigates the enhancement of optical chalcogenide waveguides through polymer membrane functionalization and their application in detecting aromatic hydrocarbon pollutants in water. The study details the materials selection and manufacturing process for creating the waveguide. A variety of polymers, including bio-based polymers which have never been evaluated in this application, were examined, with their properties analysed (e.g. contact angle, structure, topography) and their suitability for pollutant detection assessed. Detection of the pollutants was conducted using Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the results were used to establish calibration curve, kinetics, and potential for regeneration. Additionally, a microfluidic channel for in situ use was developed and successfully used to perform initial tests.