Dual chemo- and thermo-responsive phase separations of poly(4-hydroxystyrene) in non-aqueous media were demonstrated. The addition of small amounts of hydrogen-bonding molecules as chemical stimuli caused a considerable change of LCST-type thermo-responsiveness of poly(4-hydroxystyrene) in 1,4-dioxane/toluene. Secondary amines or molecules containing two hydrogen-bonding functional groups could cross-link the polymer chains through the hydrogen bonds, which altered the solvation state and induced the UCST-type thermo-responsiveness or insolubility of the polymer. This dual stimuli-responsive system worked as a chemical sensor to detect the presence of acids.
- Kota Hashimoto
- Natsuki Inaba
- Kazuki Sada
