A compact optical sensor for explosive detection based on NIR luminescent quantum dots

Mitri, Federica; Iacovo, Andrea De; Santis, Serena De; Giansante, Carlo; Spirito, Davide; Sotgiu, Giovanni; Colace, Lorenzo

doi:10.1063/5.0060400

Cited by 9 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…Recently, our group reported an optical sensor exploiting the solid-state PL of ethylenediamine (EDA) treated PbS CQDs cast on a silicon substrate for NACs vapor detection. 78 The evaluation of the PL quenching was obtained with low-cost and low-power electronics (a blue LED pump and a NIR photodetector) integrated with the PL probe in a compact fixture. The system could work in a standalone mode without the need for specific instrumentations or human operators.…”

Section: ■ Luminescent Sensorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Colloidal Quantum Dots for Explosive Detection: Trends and Perspectives

De Iacovo,

Mitri,

De Santis

et al. 2024

ACS Sens.

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Sensitive, accurate, and reliable detection of explosives has become one of the major needs for international security and environmental protection. Colloidal quantum dots, because of their unique chemical, optical, and electrical properties, as well as easy synthesis route and functionalization, have demonstrated high potential to meet the requirements for the development of suitable sensors, boosting the research in the field of explosive detection. Here, we critically review the most relevant research works, highlighting three different mechanisms for explosive detection based on colloidal quantum dots, namely photoluminescence, electrochemical, and chemoresistive sensing. We provide a comprehensive overview and an extensive discussion and comparison in terms of the most relevant sensor parameters. We highlight advantages, limitations, and challenges of quantum dot-based explosive sensors and outline future research directions for the advancement of knowledge in this surging research field.

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Section: ■ Luminescent Sensorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Colloidal Quantum Dots for Explosive Detection: Trends and Perspectives

De Iacovo,

Mitri,

De Santis

et al. 2024

ACS Sens.

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“…Both ligands are widely discussed in literature, and they were previously employed for the fabrication of PL probes for NACs and photodetectors with good performance. More specifically, the amine functional groups of the EDA are able to stick to the QD surface and, at the same time, can participate to the formation of the Meisenheimer complex, thus quenching the QD PL in the presence of NACs [17]. TBAI is one of the ligands of choice for the fabrication of high-performance, long-lasting photodetectors, thanks to its ability to passivate the QD surface and, at the same time, guarantee efficient charge transfer in the QD film [18].…”

Section: Principle Of Operationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Recently, a QD PL probe in the solid-state form was demonstrated, employing it as a sensor for vapor explosive detection based on the measurement of the solid-state PL variation produced by PbS QDs cast on a silicon substrate [17]. In that case, the PL signal was acquired with a commercial IR photodetector and the signal was evaluated with a lock-in amplifier.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Optical gas sensor based on the combination of a QD photoluminescent probe and a QD photodetector

Mitri¹,

Iacovo²,

Santis³

et al. 2022

Nanotechnology

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We report on a sensor architecture for detection of hazardous gases. The proposed device is based on the integration of a solid-state quantum dot (QD) photoluminescent probe with a QD photodetector on the same substrate. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated by developing a compact optical sensor for trace detection of explosives in air. The proposed architecture is very simple and consists of a silicon substrate with both surfaces coated with QD films. The upper layer acts as photoluminescent probe, pumped by a blue LED. The change of photoluminescence intensity associated to the interaction between the QDs and the target analyte is measured by the QD photodetector fabricated on the opposite side of the substrate. The sensor is mounted into a small chamber provided with the LED and the front-end electronics. The device is characterized by using nitrobenzene as representative nitroaromatic compound. Extremely low concentrations (down to 0.1ppm) can be detected by the proposed device, with a theoretical detection limit estimated to be as low as 2 ppb. Results are repeatable and no ageing effect is observed over a 70-day period. The proposed architecture may provide a promising solution for explosive detection in air as well as other sensing applications, thanks to its sensitivity, simple fabrication process, practical usability, and cost effectiveness.

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“…Nevertheless, very few data are available for explosive detection in the vapor phase. Recently, our group developed an optical sensor that exploits the solid-state PL of EDA-treated PbS QDs cast on a silicon substrate for nitroaromatic compound (NAC) vapor detection [1]. The deposition of the QDs on a silicon substrate assures the compatibility of the sensing chip with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technologies for integrated multiplexing and signal processing.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%