Luminescent poly(dendrimer)s for the detection of explosives

Abstract

Poly(dendrimer)s have a larger response compared to their corresponding monomers for the detection of trace quantities of nitro-based explosives.

Molecularly imprinted nanocomposites of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals: an approach towards fast and selective gas sensing of explosive taggants

“…3 Some nitroaromatic molecules such as 2-nitrotoluene (2-NT), 3-nitrotoluene (3-NT), and 4-nitrotoluene (4-NT) are used as a taggant for TNT detection, 4 whereas 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane (DMDNB) is used as a taggant in plastic explosives such as C-4 (91% RDX) and Semtex (40–76% PRTN). 5–9 Trained canines 10 and conventional analytical techniques such as ion chromatography–mass spectrometry, 11 liquid-chromatography–mass spectrometry, 12 surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, 13 X-ray diffraction, 14 and electrochemical methods, 15 have been used for the explosive detection and quantification. Although the sensitivity and selectivity of analytical techniques indicate the highest performance, most of them are expensive and require bulky and sophisticated instrumentation, which limits their portability and field analysis.…”

“…19 The sensing mechanism is predominantly based on fluorescence quenching when the analyte molecules interact with the fluorophores. 3 The state of the art indicates that conjugated polymers, 20 nanoclusters, 21 metal–organic frameworks, 22 dendrimers, 23 and luminescent quantum dots (QDs), 24 among others, 25 have been used to detect trace amounts of explosives or explosive-like molecules.…”

Luminescent CdSe Quantum Dot Arrays for Rapid Sensing of Explosive Taggants

“…For that purpose, the addition of explosive taggants with a higher vapor pressure (10 –2 to 10 –3 mmHg at 25 °C) is mandatory to improve the detection of all manufactured explosives . For instance, the three isomers of nitrotoluene are used as taggants for TNT, , whereas 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrotoluene is used as a taggant in plastic explosives such as C-4 (91% RDX) and Semtex (40–76% PETN). − …”

Dendritic polyphenylene AIEgens: fluorescence detection of explosives and stimulus-responsive luminescence

“…Owing to their superior luminescence properties, fluorescent dendrimers have been widely utilized in detecting metal ions, 12 volatile organic vapours, 13 and explosive substances. 14 And the multivalency and interior voids of dendritic structures are both beneficial for the binding of target analytes and enhanced sensitivity.…”