Polymer sensors for nitroaromatic explosives detection

TLDR

Several polymers have been used to detect nitroaromatic explosives by a variety of transduction schemes, relying on electronic and structural interactions between the sensing material and the analyte. Detection can be achieved by monitoring luminescence quenching of electron‑deficient nitroaromatics, by resistive sensing with polymer‑coated carbon black in an electronic nose, by surface acoustic wave frequency shifts after polymer adsorption, or by luminescent polymetalloles for aqueous solutions and visual trace detection.

Abstract

Several polymers have been used to detect nitroaromatic explosives by a variety of transduction schemes. Detection relies on both electronic and structural interactions between the sensing material and the analyte. Quenching of luminescent polymers by electron deficient nitroaromatic explosives, such as trinitrotoluene, may be monitored to detect explosives. Resistive sensing using carbon black particles that have been coated with different organic polymers and deposited across metallic leads can also be used to detect nitroaromatic vapors in an electronic nose approach. Frequency changes in surface acoustic wave devices may be monitored to detect nitroaromatics after their adsorption into polymer coatings. Luminescent polymetalloles have recently been investigated for sensing explosives in aqueous-based solutions and for improved visual detection of trace particulates on surfaces.