Study of adsorption of some organic molecules in calix 4 resorcinolarene LB films by surface plasmon resonance

Adsorption of some organic guest molecules in tetra-phosphorylated calix[4]-resorcinolarene LB films was studied by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) techniques. Two methods of registration have been used: measurement of the whole SPR curve at steady state of adsorption and in situ registration of SPR signal at fixed angle during adsorption. Fast and reversible adsorption of toluene and different hydrocarbon vapours was observed. Increasing both him thickness and refractive index implied the swelling behaviour of the LB film during adsorption and can be explained by the capturing and subsequent condensation of guest molecules in the calixarene matrix. Selectivity of SPR response to various hydrocarbons can be attributed to the difference of their condensation temperatures rather than to molecular dimensions. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.