One-pot synthesis of novel chitosan-salicylaldehyde polymer composites for ammonia sensing.

Chitosan (Chs)-salicylaldehyde (Sal) polymer derivatives were formed via the reaction of Chs-Sal with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD). These polymers were synthesized through inclusion with β-CD and doping with ZnO NPs to give pseudopolyrotaxane and Chs-Sal/ZnO NPs composite, respectively, for low-temperature detection and sensing of NH vapors as great significance in environmental control and human health. Additionally, the polymer (Chs-Sal/β-CD/ZnO NPs) was prepared via the insertion of generated composite (Chs-Sal/ZnO NPs) through β-cyclodextrin ring.