Thin films based on polyaniline derivatives for near-UV detection

Thin films of polymers based on the polyaniline derivative 2-(1-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)aniline obtained using various acids (H₂SO₄, HNO₃, HClO₄) and oxidizing agents ((NH₄)₂S₂O₈ and FeCl₃) by spin coating on glass substrates with an ITO layer are studied. Photoconductivity under ultraviolet irradiation is studied. The results show that the synthesis conditions significantly affect the morphology and conductivity of the films: synthesis in HNO₃ provides a smoother surface and high conductivity, and the use of FeCl₃ improves the alignment of polymer chains and accelerates the time characteristics of photosensitivity (response time ≈ 0.8s, recovery time <1.2 s) with achieving a maximum sensitivity of up to 8330 μA W^-1. Additionally, the effect of film thickness and long-term UV irradiation on the stability and durability of the obtained materials was studied. The results obtained demonstrate the possibility of using polymer films based on 2-(1-methylbut2-en-1-yl)aniline in photodetection devices in the near UV range, as well as in optical sensors, flexible electronics and energy-efficient systems.