Electrochemical Sensor for Detecting Ultratrace Nitroaromatic Compounds Using Mesoporous SiO2-Modified Electrode

Eco-friendly electrochemical sensor for determination of conscious sedating drug "midazolam'' based on Au-NPs@Silica modified carbon paste electrode

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are a group of drugs prescribed for their sedating effect. Their misuse and addictive properties stipulate different authorities for developing simple, fast and accurate analytical methods for instantaneous detection. Differential pulse voltammetric technique (DPV) was utilized for the selective assay of midazolam hydrochloride (MDZ) in the pure, parenteral dosage forms and plasma samples. A chemically modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) was implemented during the study. The method depended on the electroreduction of MDZ on the surface of the electrode over a potential range of 0.0 V to -1.6 V. The electrode was fabricated using silica nanoparticles (Si-NPs) which were incorporated into the composition of the CPE and used to enhance the electrode performance. Then, to enhance the sensitivity of the method, a chronoamperometric modification step was applied for depositing gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) on the carbon paste electrode surface. Modification with Au-NPs showed a higher reduction current peak for MDZ with well-defined peaks. Various parameters such as pH of the media and measurements scan rate were investigated and optimized to enhance the sensor sensitivity. The sensor showed a dynamic linear response over a concentration range of 4.0 × 10-7 M to 2.9 × 10-4 M of MDZ with a LOD of 2.24 × 10-8 M using 0.1 M acetate buffer (pH 5.6). The sensor was validated in accordance with the ICH guidelines regarding accuracy, precision and specificity for the selective assay of MDZ in the presence of excipients. A greenness evaluation was performed using three different assessment tools, namely, the "Green Analytical Procedure Index" (GAPI), the "Analytical Greenness metric" (AGREE) and the "Whiteness Analytical Chemistry tool" (WAC) using the RGB12 model.

Effective and selective measurement of 2,4-dinitroaniline utilizing constructed fluorescent carbon dots sensor derived from vitamin B1

2,4-Dinitroaniline is a multifunctional product and has been applicated in various fields. It has absorbed much concerns due to its large consumption and occurrence in many environmental matrices. It is urgent to explore reliable and sensitive measurement technology. Present study described an outstanding fluorescence sensor constructed with carbon dots (CDs) derived from vitamin B₁. The CDs were fabricated by dealing with a facile hydrothermal process, and exhibited good water solubility, fluorescence stability and highly fluorescence quenching characteristics in presence of 2,4-dinitroaniline. The excitation and emission wavelengths of the obtained CDs were 305 and 378 nm, respectively. The sensor displayed good selectivity and sensitivity for 2,4-dinitroaniline. Good linearity can be achieved in two-stage of 0.2-3 μmol L^-1 and 3-20 μmol L^-1. The sensor earned low detection limit for 2,4-dinitroaniline down to 0.05 μmol L^-1. The sensor has been commendably employed for analysis of 2,4-dinitroaniline in real aqueous samples with spiked recoveries in the range of 95.0-99.6%. The proposed sensor provided a promising alternative for analysis of environmental pollutants or other meaningful employment.

Facile preparation of mesoporous silica coated nitrogen doped carbon dots for sensitive detection of picric acid

In this work, a nanocomposite suitable for long-term storage was constructed for efficient and highly selective detection of picric acid (PA). For this purpose, nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal reaction one-step method, and the synthesized nitrogen-doped carbon dots were loaded into amine-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-NH₂) to form N-CDs@MSN-NH₂ nanocomposites. The as-synthesized N-CDs@MSN-NH₂ was detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis methods. After being coated with MSNs, the as-synthesized N-CDs@MSN-NH₂ exhibits excellent photo-stability in storage for 60 days at room temperature. Furthermore, PA can significantly quench the fluorescence signal of N-CDs@MSN-NH₂ through the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) effect, while other metal ions and nitro compounds only cause little change. The a-synthesized composites were used to detect PA with a detection limit of 50 nM in an aqueous solution. These results indicate that the synthesized composites have promise for application in PA detection in aqueous solution.

Impedimetric detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene using surface-functionalized halloysite nanotubes

Herein, we report the application of amine-surface-functionalized halloysite nanotubes (HAs) as active materials for the quantitative detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). The findings indicated that HA could selectively capture TNT via a strong reaction between the amine groups on its surface and the TNT molecules. Plate electrodes were fabricated from HA to evaluate its TNT-sensing capacity by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Upon binding with TNT, the proton conductivity on the HA plate electrodes increased linearly with the TNT concentration from 1.0 × 10⁻¹¹ M to 1.0 × 10⁻⁴ M. The HA plate electrodes exhibited good sensitivity with a detection limit of 1.05 × 10⁻¹² M. Subsequently, the cycling measurements of the TNT binding/removal were performed on the HA plate electrode, and the material exhibited high stability, good regenerative ability, and good reversibility without a significant decrease in efficiency. The present work highlights the significant application potential of HAs for the electrochemical detection of TNT.

Amine-surface-functionalized halloysite nanotubes are used for electrochemical sensing TNT.

Reduced graphene oxide-supported smart plasmonic AgPtPd porous nanoparticles for high-performance electrochemical detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene

Smart plasmonic AgPtPd NPs/rGO exhibited a wide linear range for TNT from 0.1 to 8 ppm with a sensing limit of 0.95 ppb. The remarkable features are probably attributed to the integrated advantages of the plasmonic properties and synergistic effect.

Si-doped graphene nanosheets as a metal-free catalyst for electrochemical detection of nitroaromatic explosives

Si-doped graphene nanosheets (SiGNS) have been successfully constructed via high temperature annealing of graphene oxide and tetraethoxysilane mixture in a sealed glass ampoule. The Si atoms doped into graphene's carbon network mainly existed as C₃-Si-O and C₂-Si-O₂ configurations. The as-prepared SiGNS exhibited excellent electrochemical detection ability to nitroaromatic compounds in 0.1 M phosphoric acid buffer solution (PBS, pH = 8.0) via an electrochemical catalytic process. Five nitroaromatic compounds, including nitrobenzene, 2-nitrotoluene, 4-nitrotoluene, 2, 4-dinitrotoluene and 2, 4, 6-trinitrotoluene, were taken as the analyte to demonstrate the electrochemical catalytic ability of SiGNS. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation was carried out to explore the electrochemical catalytic mechanism of SiGNS. A hydrogen bond mediated electrochemical catalytic mechanism was proposed. Both the excellent electrical conductivity and the rich surface hydroxyl groups enhanced the electrochemical detection ability of SiGNS to nitroaromatic compounds. Si atoms in SiGNS played a key role for the excellent electrochemical detection ability of SiGNS due to most of the surface hydroxyl groups anchored on the Si atoms.

A highly stable Zn coordination polymer exhibiting pH-dependent fluorescence and as a visually ratiometric and on–off fluorescent sensor

A thermally and chemically stable Zn coordination polymer exhibiting pH-dependent fluorescence behaves as a multi-responsive fluorescent sensor for ratiometric and on–off detection of multiple analytes.

Flexible porphyrin doped polymer optical fibers for rapid and remote detection of trace DNT vapor

With the rapid growth of anti-terrorist activities worldwide, it becomes an emerging requirement to rapidly and accurately detect hidden explosive threats. However, the safety issue during the explosive material detection, e.g. unexpected explosion, is still an insurmountable challenge. In this study, we design and mass-produce a novel kind of flexible 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-aminophenyl)porphyrin doped polymer optical fiber (PPOF) for rapid and accurate detection of trace 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) vapor based on the DNT induced florescence quenching mechanism. The influence of doping concentration, bending, and temperature on the sensing performance is investigated. PPOF shows immunity to bending, enabling it to work in a harsh environment. It is experimentally demonstrated that the limit of detection and response time of the proposed PPOF could reach around 120 ppb and 3 minutes, respectively, which make it much better than other techniques. Owning to its inherent advantages including low-cost, remote-control capability, and compatibility with optical communication networking, PPOF can be constructed the quasi-distributed sensing networking of explosive matters in the future, providing a new strategy for anti-terrorism.

Electrochemical determination of nitroaromatic explosives at boron-doped diamond/graphene nanowall electrodes: 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and 2,4,6-trinitroanisole in liquid effluents

The study is devoted to the electrochemical detection of trace explosives on boron-doped diamond/graphene nanowall electrodes (B:DGNW). The electrodes were fabricated in a one-step growth process using chemical vapour deposition without any additional modifications. The electrochemical investigations were focused on the determination of the important nitroaromatic explosive compounds, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 2,4,6-trinitroanisole (TNA). The distinct reduction peaks of both studied compounds were observed regardless of the pH value of the solution. The reduction peak currents were linearly related to the concentration of TNT and TNA in the range from 0.05-15 ppm. Nevertheless, two various linear trends were observed, attributed respectively to the adsorption processes at low concentrations up to the diffusional character of detection for larger contamination levels. The limit of detection of TNT and TNA is equal to 73 ppb and 270 ppb, respectively. Moreover, the proposed detection strategy has been applied under real conditions with a significant concentration of interfering compounds - in landfill leachates. The proposed bare B:DGNW electrodes were revealed to have a high electroactive area towards the voltammetric determination of various nitroaromatic compounds with a high rate of repeatability, thus appearing to be an attractive nanocarbon surface for further applications.

Characterization of Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids to Study the Electrochemical Activity of Nitro Compounds

Over the past few years, room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) has evolved as an important solvent-cum-electrolyte because of its high thermal stability and excellent electrochemical activity. Due to these unique properties, RTILs have been used as a solvent/electrolyte/mediator in many applications. There are many RTILs, which possess good conductivity as well as an optimal electrochemical window, thus enabling their application as a transducer for electrochemical sensors. Nitroaromatics are a class of organic compounds with significant industrial applications; however, due to their excess use, detection is a major concern. The electrochemical performance of a glassy carbon electrode modified with three different RTILs, [EMIM][BF4], [BMIM][BF4] and [EMIM][TF2N], has been evaluated for the sensing of two different nitroaromatic analytes: 2,6-dinitrotoluene (2,6 DNT) and ethylnitrobenzene (ENB). Three RTILs have been chosen such that they have either a common anion or cation amongst them. The sensory response has been measured using square wave voltammetry (SQWV). We found the transducing ability of [EMIM][BF4] to be superior compared to the other two RTILs. A low limit of detection (LOD) of 1 ppm has been achieved with a 95% confidence interval for both the analytes. The efficacy of varying the cationic and anionic species of RTIL to obtain a perfect combination has been thoroughly investigated in this work, which shows a novel selection process of RTILs for specific applications. Moreover, the results obtained from testing with a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) have been replicated using a miniaturized sensor platform that can be deployed easily for on-site sensing applications.

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Co-Doped Carbon Dots for Selective Detection of Nitro Explosives

In this work, a highly selective and sensitive method has been developed for the detection of trinitrophenol (TNP), which is a dangerous explosive. For this purpose, N and P co-doped carbon dots (NP-Cdots) have been used. Synthesis of N and P co-doped carbon dots has been carried out by a simple and quick method. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis was carried out to detect the doping of N and P. These carbon dots are insoluble in water (inNP-Cdots). These carbon dots were functionalized by treating them with conc. HNO3 so that they become water-soluble (wsNP-Cdots). These dots were characterized by different analytical techniques such as IR, UV-vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The as-prepared wsNP-Cdots have good fluorescence properties. The average diameter of wsNP-Cdots is found to be 5.7 nm with an interlayer spacing (d-spacing) of 0.16 nm. The as-prepared wsNP-Cdots are highly sensitive and selective toward TNP, as observed using a fluorescence quenching technique. The quenching constant for TNP is found to be very high (8.06 × 104 M-1), which indicates its high quenching ability. The limit of detection is found to be 23 μM.

A flower-like ZnO–Ag2O nanocomposite for label and mediator free direct sensing of dinitrotoluene

2,4-Dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) is a nitro aromatic compound used as a raw material for trinitrotoluene (TNT) explosive synthesis along with several other industrial applications. Easy, rapid, cost-effective, and selective detection of 2,4-DNT is becoming essential due to its hepato carcinogenic nature and presence in surface as well as ground water as a contaminant. Keeping this in view, this research, for the first-time, reports the synthesis of novel ZnO–Ag₂O composite nanoflowers on a gold (Au) substrate, to fabricate an electrochemical sensor for label-free, direct sensing of 2,4-DNT selectively. The proposed ZnO–Ag₂O/Au sensor exhibits a sensitivity of 5 μA μM⁻¹ cm⁻² with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 13 nM, in a linear dynamic range (LDR) of 0.4 μM to 40 μM. The sensor showed reasonably high re-usability and reproducibility, with reliable results for laboratory and real-world samples.

2,4-Dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) is a nitro aromatic compound used as a raw material for trinitrotoluene (TNT) explosive synthesis along with several other industrial applications.

Preparation of hemoglobin (Hb)-imprinted poly(ionic liquid)s via Hb-catalyzed eATRP on gold nanodendrites

Hemoglobin (Hb)-imprinted poly(ionic liquid)s (HIPILs) were prepared on the surface of Au electrode modified with gold nanodendrites (Au/ND/HIPILs). HIPILs were synthesized with 1-vinyl-3-propyl imidazole sulfonate ionic liquids as functional monomers via electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (eATRP) catalyzed by Hb. The Au/ND/HIPILs electrode was examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Au/ND/HIPILs electrode was also used as an electrochemical sensor to determine Hb by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under the optimal conditions, the detection range of Hb was from 1.0 × 10^-14 to 1.0 × 10^-4 mg/mL with a limit of detection of 5.22 × 10^-15 mg/mL (S/N = 3). Compared with other methods, the sensor based on poly(ionic liquid)s had the broader linear range and lower detection limit. Graphical Abstract.

Environmental persistence, hazard, and mitigation challenges of nitroaromatic compounds

Nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) are extensively used in different industries and are synthesized in large quantity due to their heavy demand worldwide. The broad use of NACs poses a serious pollution threat. The treatment processes used for the removal of NACs are not effective and sustainable, leading to their release into the environment. The nitro group attached to benzene ring makes the compounds recalcitrant due to which they persist in the environment. Being hazardous to human as well as other living organisms, NACs are listed in the USEPA's priority pollutant group. This review provides updated information on the sources of NACs, prevalence in different environmental matrices, and recent developments in methods of their detection, with emphasis on current trends as well as future prospects. The harmful effects of NACs due to exposure through different routes are also highlighted. Further, the technologies reported for the treatment of NACs, including physico-chemical and biological methods, and the challenges faced for their effective implementation are discussed. Thus, the review discusses relevant issues in detail making suitable recommendations, which can be helpful in guiding further research in this subject.

Molecularly Imprinted Sol-Gel for TNT Detection with Optical Micro-Ring Resonator Sensor Chips

A sensor for trinitrotoluene (TNT) detection was developed by using a combination of optical micro-ring technology and a receptor coating based on molecularly imprinted sol-gel layers. Two techniques for deposition of receptor layers were compared: Airbrush technology and electrospray ionization. A concentration of less than 5 ppb for TNT in the gas-phase, using electrospray deposition of the receptor layer, was detected. The cross-sensitivities to organic substances and further nitro-based explosives were compared. As a result, the sensitivity to TNT is about one order of magnitude higher in comparison to the explosives 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) or 1,3-dinitrobenzene (DNB) and about four orders of magnitude higher than the organic substances phenol, ethanol, and acetone. The signal response of the sensor is fast, and the compact sensor design enables the deposition of different receptor layers on multiple optical micro-rings on one chip, which allows a more precise analysis and reduction of side effects and false alarms.

Screen printed carbon electrode modified with a copper@porous silicon nanocomposite for voltammetric sensing of clonazepam

The work describes an electrochemical sensor for the determination of the tranquilizer clonazepam (CZP) in serum and pharmaceutical preparations. A screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was modified with copper nanoparticles anchored on porous silicon (PSi). The surface of the SPCEs modified with the Cu/PSi nanostructure was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Cyclic and differential pulse voltammetric methods were used for the electrochemical studies and electrochemical detection, respectively. Several parameters controlling the performance of the modified SPCE were optimized. The peak current values (at a potential of -0.52 V) were used to construct calibration plots. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration plot is linear in the 0.05-7.6 μM CZP concentration range, and the detection limit is 15 nM. The sensor is reproducible, repeatable, highly selective and sensitive. It was successfully applied to the determination of CPZ in spiked serum and in drugs. Graphical abstract Scheme of electrochemical reduction of clonazepam on the designed copper@porous silicon modified screen printed carbon electrode (CuNPs/PSi/SPCE). This electrode was employed for the determination of clonazepam in tablets and human blood plasma using differential pulse voltammetry.

Electrocatalytic reduction of trace nitrobenzene using a graphene-oxide@polymerized-manganese-porphyrin composite

A more stable composite of graphene oxide encapsulated by the polymerized porphyrins realize the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrobenzene to nitrosobenzene.

A stable anionic metal–organic framework with open coordinated sites: selective separation toward cationic dyes and sensing properties

A multifunctional anionic metal–organic framework was successfully synthesized using a new pyridyl–tricarboxylate ligand. It could be applied as a luminescent sensor for Fe³⁺ ions and TNP and it showed selective adsorption of cationic dyes.

Fuel-Free Light-Powered TiO2/Pt Janus Micromotors for Enhanced Nitroaromatic Explosives Degradation

Nitroaromatic explosives such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (2,4,6-TNT) and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) are two common nitroaromatic compounds in ammunition. Their leakage leads to serious environmental pollution and threatens human health. It is important to remove or decompose them rapidly and efficiently. In this work, we present that light-powered TiO₂/Pt Janus micromotors have high efficiency for the "on-the-fly" photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-DNT and 2,4,6-TNT in pure water under UV irradiation. The redox reactions, induced by photogenerated holes and electrons on the TiO₂/Pt Janus micromotor surfaces, produce a local electric field that propels the micromotors as well as oxidative species that are able to photodegrade 2,4-DNT and 2,4,6-TNT. Furthermore, the moving TiO₂/Pt Janus micromotors show an efficient degradation of nitroaromatic compounds as compared to the stationary ones thanks to the enhanced mixing and mass transfer in the solution by movement of these micromotors. Such fuel-free light-powered micromotors for explosive degradation are expected to find a way to environmental remediation and security applications.

Amine-functionalized diatom frustules: a platform for specific and sensitive detection of nitroaromatic explosive derivative

In the present study, an attempt was made to develop a proof of concept for the detection of nitroaromatic explosive derivatives through the photoluminescence (PL) quenching process using functionalized diatom frustules as a sensing platform. The diatom frustules are composed of nanostructured, highly porous biogenic silica material and emit strong, visible blue PL upon UV excitation. PL-active biosilica was isolated from the marine diatom Nitzschia sp. and was amine-functionalized to develop a sensing platform. Functionalized diatom frustules were further characterized using field emission scanning electron microscope and a series of spectroscopic methods. When nitroaromatic compounds were bound to the functionalized diatom frustules biosilica, the PL intensity from the functionalized biosilica was partially quenched due to the electrophilic nature of the nitro (-NO) groups. The quenching process confirmed the Meisenheimer complex formation and was investigated by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and time-resolved photoluminescence studies. The developed platform was further evaluated for its sensitivity and specificity, and the limit of detection (LOD) of the assay was determined as 1 μM for a series of nitroaromatic explosive compounds. In conclusion, the developed sensing platform will have great utility in the development of on-site detection platforms for sensitive detection of warfare explosive nitroaromatic compounds from the environment.

Highly selective detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol by using newly developed terbium-doped blue carbon dots

The detection of nitroaromatic explosives is of great importance owing to their strong explosive power and harmfulness in terms of the environment, homeland security and public safety. Herein, rare earth-doped carbon dots with multifunctional features were firstly prepared by simply keeping the mixture of terbium(iii) nitrate pentahydrate and citric acid at 190 °C for 30 min. The as-prepared terbium doped carbon dots (Tb-CDs), through a rapid and simple direct carbonization route, have a size of about 3 nm, and exhibit excitation wavelength dependent emission of blue fluorescence, are stable, and can be applied for the selective and colorimetric detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) in the range of 500 nM-100 μM with a limit of detection of 200 nM based on the inner filtering effect (IFE) of the excitation and emission bands of Tb-CDs by TNP and the electron transfer (ET) from Tb-CDs to TNP, giving a precise and highly reproducible result for detecting complex water samples.

Graphene based nanosensor for aqueous phase detection of nitroaromatics

Nitroaromatics sensor composed of monolayer graphene and molecularly imprinted chitosan thin film was fabricated and responded selectively against imprinted nitrotriazolone.

Nitroaromatic explosives detection using electrochemically exfoliated graphene

Detection of nitroaromatic explosives is of paramount importance from security point of view. Graphene sheets obtained from the electrochemical anodic exfoliation of graphite foil in different electrolytes (LiClO₄ and Na₂SO₄) were compared and tested as electrode material for the electrochemical detection of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in seawater. Voltammetry analysis demonstrated the superior electrochemical performance of graphene produced in LiClO₄, resulting in higher sensitivity and linearity for the explosives detection and lower limit of detection (LOD) compared to the graphene obtained in Na₂SO₄. We attribute this to the presence of oxygen functionalities onto the graphene material obtained in LiClO₄ which enable charge electrostatic interactions with the –NO₂ groups of the analyte, in addition to π-π stacking interactions with the aromatic moiety. Research findings obtained from this study would assist in the development of portable devices for the on-site detection of nitroaromatic explosives.

Improved explosive collection and detection with rationally assembled surface sampling materials

Inorganic sampling cloth chemically modified with phenyl-functional groups for improving the collection and detection of trace explosives.

Graphene Nanoribbon-Supported PtPd Concave Nanocubes for Electrochemical Detection of TNT with High Sensitivity and Selectivity

In this work, PtPd concave nanocubes anchored on graphene nanoribbons (PtPd-rGONRs) were successfully fabricated through a hydrothermal process. The structural characterizations confirmed that PtPd concave cubes with an average size of around 11 nm have been successfully synthesized and they are uniformly assembled on the surface of rGONRs. The electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the PtPd-rGONRs composite-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) shows much enhanced current signals for TNT reduction, which is 4 and 12-fold higher than rGONRs and bare glassy carbon electrode, respectively. The PtPd-rGONRs exhibited a wide linear range for TNT detection from 0.01 to 3 ppm with the sensing limit of 0.8 ppb. Moreover, the PtPd-rGONRs showed excellent detection stability for the determination of TNT. Most importantly, the PtPd-rGONRs-based electrochemical detection platform can be successfully applied to TNT detection in tap water and real lake water samples. The present study indicates that graphene nanoribbon-supported nanocrystals are promising in designing high performance electrochemical sensors for explosives detection.

Electrogenerated thin films of microporous polymer networks with remarkably increased electrochemical response to nitroaromatic analytes

Thin films of microporous polymer networks (MPNs) have been generated by electrochemical polymerization of a series of multifunctional carbazole-based monomers. The microporous films show high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface areas up to 1300 m2 g(-1) as directly measured by krypton sorption experiments. A correlation between the number of polymerizable carbazole units of the monomer and the resulting surface area is observed. Electrochemical sensing experiments with 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene as prototypical nitroaromatic analyte demonstrate an up to 180 times increased current response of MPN-modified glassy carbon electrodes in relation to the nonmodified electrode. The phenomenon probably involves intermolecular interactions between the electron-poor nitroaromatic analytes and the electron-rich, high surface area microporous deposits, with the electrochemical reduction at the MPN-modified electrodes being an adsorption-controlled process for low scan rates. We expect a high application potential of such MPN-modified electrodes for boosting the sensitivity of electrochemical sensor devices.