Aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) active bispyrene-based fluorescent probe: "turn-off" fluorescence for the detection of nitroaromatics

The detection of nitroaromatic explosives in real samples is essential for environmental monitoring because of their strongly powerful nature and wide applications in industries. Aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) active fluorescent probe has been widely employed to detect nitroaromatic explosives. Hereby, a simple V-shaped bispyrene-based fluorescent probe (called py-o) with AIEE properties was designed and synthesized, which was fully charactered by 1D NMR, ESI, FTIR, and 2D NOESY spectra. The py-o displayed bright blue-green fluorescence excimer emission at 480 nm in DMF/H2O (v/v 1:1). It is observed that the fluorescence excimer emission of py-o at 480 nm was quenched by PA in solution with a quenching constant of 5.45 × 104 M-1, and the limit of detection was approximately 0.139 μM. The details of the sensing mechanism were explained using 1H NMR titrations, Job's plot and Bensi-Hildebrand methods, which revealed a 1:1 binding ratio via the π-π interactions between PA and py-o. Meanwhile, it exhibited outstanding anti-interference ability in the detection of PA when interfering analytes were added under the same conditions. Furthermore, low-cost thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plates coated with py-o were developed as fluorescent tools for naked-eye detection of PA in the solid state. Therefore, this work provides a new method for constructing an AIEE fluorescent probe for the detection of nitroaromatic explosives to utilize in environmental monitoring.

Anthracene and tetraphenylsilane based conjugated porous polymer nanoparticles for sensitive detection of nitroaromatics in water

Conjugated porous polymers (CPPs) are a kind of promising sensing materials for the detection of nitroaromatic compounds, but their sensing applications in aqueous media are limited because of their poor dispersity or solubility in water. In this study, we prepared anthracene and tetraphenylsilane based CPPs named PSiAn by conventional Suzuki coupling and Suzuki-miniemulsion polymerization, respectively. The structure, morphology and porosity of the CPPs were characterized by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and N2 sorption isotherm, respectively. Both of the CPPs have porous structure which is beneficial for the adsorption and diffusion of the analytes within them. The particle size of PSiAn nanoparticles prepared by Suzuki-miniemulsion polymerization is 10-40 nm from the TEM image, which facilitates the dispersion in the aqueous phase. Combined with the porosity and nanoparticle morphology, PSiAn nanoparticles realized the efficient photoluminescence (PL) sensing of nitroaromatic explosives in aqueous phase. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of PSiAn nanoparticles for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) detection in the pure aqueous phase are 0.33 μM and 1.11 μM, respectively. Meanwhile, the good selectivity and anti-interference in presence of other nitro-compounds were observed. Furthermore, the spike/recovery test for the TNP detection in real water samples by PL sensing based on PSiAn nanoparticles indicates the quantitative recovery of TNP from 100.74 % to 101.00 %. The electrochemical test, ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra, excitation and emission spectra, and time-resolved PL spectra were investigated to explore the PL sensing mechanism. As a result, it is found that the fluorescence inner filter effect might be the predominant quenching mechanism during the detection of nitrophenolic compounds such as TNP and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP).

Design of a versatile and selective electrochemical sensor based on dummy molecularly imprinted PEDOT/laser-induced graphene for nitroaromatic explosives detection

Considering the formidable explosive power and human carcinogenicity of nitroaromatic explosives, the implementation of an accurate and sensitive detection technology is imperative for ensuring public safety and monitoring post-blast environmental contamination. In the present work, a versatile and selective electrochemical sensor based on dummy molecularly imprinted poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/laser-induced graphene (MIPEDOT/LIG) was successfully developed and the specific detection of multiple nitroaromatic explosives was realized in the single sensor. The accessible and nontoxic trimesic acid (TMA) and superior 3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) were selected as the dummy-template and the functional monomer, respectively. The interaction between the functional monomer and the template, and the morphology, electrochemical properties and detection performance of the sensor were comprehensively investigated by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and differential pulse voltammetry. Benefiting from the alliance of TMA and EDOT, the MIPEDOT/LIG sensor manifested outstanding selectivity and sensitivity for 2,4,6-trinitrotolueen (TNT), 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP), 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNB), 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), and 1,3-dinitrobenzene (DNB) (representative nitroaromatic explosives) with limits of determination of 1.95 ppb, 3.06 ppb, 2.49 ppb, 1.67 ppb, 1.94 ppb, and 4.56 ppb, respectively. The sensor also exhibited extraordinary reliability and convenience for environmental sample detection. Therefore, a perfect combination of versatility and selectivity in the MIPEDOT/LIG sensor was achieved. The findings of this work provide a new direction for the development of multi-target electrochemical sensors using a versatile dummy template for explosives detection.

Fe-zeolites for the adsorption and oxidative degradation of nitroaromatic compounds in water

Nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) are prominent explosives. In this context, these toxic substances were released into the environment and cause long-lasting groundwater contamination. In preparation of a possible in-situ remediation, colloidal Fe-zeolites were investigated for their capabilities as adsorbents and oxidation catalysts. It was shown that the Fe-zeolites FeBEA35 and FeFAU55 are potent inorganic adsorbents for NACs and simultaneously capable of activating H2O2 as Fenton-like oxidation catalysts. Adsorption isotherms of 15 NACs on both zeolites were measured to evaluate the option of coupling adsorptive contaminant enrichment with oxidative degradation. The faujasite-type zeolite FeFAU55 showed a distinct S-type adsorption behaviour and reached significantly higher NAC loadings of > 20 wt%. For FeBEA35, L-type adsorption isotherms and maximum loadings qmax of about 4 wt% were obtained. Degradation of all NACs, monitored by nitrate formation, was observed. Apparent rate constants of the NACs with hydroxyl radicals in a homogeneous, stoichiometric Fenton reaction were related to the heterogeneous system to examine the role of adsorption on the oxidative degradation. Beneficial influence of the adsorption on the oxidation rates was identified. The results of this work open up promising prospects for future application of Fe-zeolites for the in-situ remediation of NAC-contaminated groundwater.

Pyrene, Anthracene, and Naphthalene-Based Azomethines for Fluorimetric Sensing of Nitroaromatic Compounds

Special attention is given to the development of rapid and sensitive detection of nitroaromatic explosives for homeland security and environmental concerns. As part of our contribution to the detection of nitroaromatic explosives, fluorescent materials (A), (B) and (C) were synthesized from the reaction of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane with pyrene-1-carbaldehyde, anthracene-9-carbaldehyde and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde, respectively. The structures of the prepared fluorescent azomethine probes were confirmed using FTIR, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopies. The basis of the study is the use of the synthesized materials as fluorescent probes in the photophysical and fluorescence detection of some nitroaromatic explosives. Emission increases occurred due to aggregation caused by π-π stacking in synthesized azomethines. To measure the nitroaromatic detection capabilities of fluorescence probes, fluorescence titration experiments were performed using the photoluminescence spectroscopy. It was observed that compound A containing pyrene ring provided the best emission intensity-increasing effect due to aggregation with the lowest LOD value (14.96 μM) for the sensing of 4-nitrophenol. In compounds B and C, nitrobenzene with the lowest LOD (16.15 μM and 23.49 μM respectively) caused the most regular emission increase, followed by picric acid.

Photophysical and Fluorescence Nitroaromatic Sensing Properties of Methylated Derivative of a Pamoic Acid Ester

Rapid and selective detection of nitroaromatic explosives is very important for public safety, life, and environmental health. Current instrumental techniques suffer from high cost and poor site used. In order to investigate fluorescence sensing of nitroaromatics, we prepare a new small fluorescence probe derived from pamoic acid. This study covers the synthesis of Pamoic acid based [diisopropyl 4,4'-methylenebis(3-methoxy-2-naphthoate)] (2) material and characterization of its structure. The methylation of Pamoic acid ester, which we have successfully synthesized in our previous studies, was carried out in this study. Determination of the photophysical and fluorescent nitroaromatic detection properties of the compound forms the basis of the study. Structural characterization of the synthesized compound [diisopropyl 4,4'-methylenebis(3-methoxy-2-naphthoate)] (2) was characterized using spectroscopic methods. In addition, Molecular structure of the synthesized compound was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. In the final step, compounds [diisopropyl 4,4'-methylenebis(3-hydroxy-2-naphthoate)] (1) and [diisopropyl 4,4'-methylenebis(3-methoxy-2-naphthoate)] (2) were tested as fluorescent probes for the detection of some nitroaromatic explosives. It is seen that Nitrobenzene provides the best quenching effect on the compound [diisopropyl 4,4'-methylenebis(3-hydroxy-2-naphthoate)] (1) containing the -OH group, with lowest the limit of detection (LOD) value. It was observed that Picric acid provided the best quenching effect with lowest the limit of detection (LOD) value in the compound [diisopropyl 4,4'-methylenebis(3-methoxy-2-naphthoate)] (2) obtained by methylation of the -OH group in the compound [diisopropyl 4,4'-methylenebis(3-hydroxy-2-naphthoate)] (1).

Protamine gold nanoclusters - based fluorescence turn-on sensor for rapid determination of Trinitrotoluene (TNT)

Determination of trace residues of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is an analytical challenge as it is widely used in military, mining industry, civilian and counter-terrorism purposes. In this study, a gold nanocluster - based turn-on fluorescence sensor was developed for TNT determination. A one-pot approach was used to synthesize the fluorescent protamine - stabilized gold nanoclusters (PRT-AuNC). The proposed turn-on fluorometric sensor relies on the aggregation-induced emission enhancement mechanism. As a result of the donor-acceptor interaction between the non-fluorescent Meisenheimer anion formed from TNT and the amino groups of weakly fluorescent protamine, the PRT-AuNCs aggregate and an accompanying enhancement in fluorescence intensity is observed with a large Stokes shift (λ_ex = 300 nm, λ_em = 600 nm). The fluorescence enhancement increased linearly with TNT with an LOD of 12.44 µg/L. Similar energetic materials, common soil ions and explosive camouflage materials did not affect the proposed fluorometric sensing method. TNT in artificially contaminated soil was determined, and the results were comparable to those obtained by the HPLC-DAD system. The proposed turn-on sensor is an important tool for simple, fast, rapid and sensitive TNT determination, and has a potential to be converted to a kit format.

Investigation of Chemosensing and Color Properties of Schiff Base Compounds Containing a 1,2,3-triazole Group

A series of Schiff base compounds (ER¹-ER⁵) containing a 1,2,3-triazole and carboxylic acid groups were synthesized and their chemosensory properties towards anions (I^-, CO₃^2-, SO₄^2-, NO₂^-, NO₃^-, CH₃COO^-, ClO₃^-, CNO^-, N₃^-) and cations (Al³⁺, Ag⁺, Co²⁺, Cr³⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Hg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺). The compounds were also used as fluorescence probs for the detection of nitroaromatic compounds. The structural characterization of the synthesized compounds was elucidated using methods such as FT-IR, UV, FL, LC-MS, MALDI-TOF MS, ¹H(¹³C) NMR. The effect of substitute groups (-CH₃, -OCH₃, -OH, -Cl and -Br) on the synthesized Schiff bases (ER¹-ER⁵) on the chemosensory properties were compared. As the groups changed, the sensor and quenching effects of the molecule against anions and cations changed. Compound ER³ having methoxy (OCH₃) group exhibited selective sensor properties against Fe³⁺ ion while compound ER⁵ with a chloride substitute (Cl) group showed selectivity for Cr³⁺ ion under 254 nm UV-lamp. The substitute effect was also observed for the sensing of anions. Under 254 nm UV-lamp, ER² having the -OH group has a selective sensing property for CNO^- and ER⁴ with the bromide (Br) group exhibited selectivity for N₃^- ion. The synthesized Schiff base compounds were also tested as fluorescence probs for the sensing of some nitroaromatic explosives.

Electrochemical determination of nitroaromatic explosives using glassy carbon/multi walled carbon nanotube/polyethyleneimine electrode coated with gold nanoparticles

The on site/in field detection of explosives has become a rising priority for homeland security and counter-terrorism measures. This work presents the sensitive detection of nitroaromatic explosives using glassy carbon/multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polyethyleneimine (GC/MWCNTs/PEI) electrode coated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). MWCNTs and PEI could be well dispersed in ethanol/water solution, giving rise to a thin and homogeneous film on GCE. The GC/MWCNTs/PEI electrode was electrochemically modified with AuNPs and used for the differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) detection of nitroaromatics. The enhanced detection sensitivities were achieved through π-π and charge-transfer (CT) interactions between the electron-deficient nitroaromatic explosives and donor amine groups in PEI to which gold nanoparticles were linked, providing increased analyte affinity toward the modified GCE. Calibration curves of current intensity versus concentration were linear in the range of 0.05-8 mg L^-1 for TNT, 0.2-4 mg L^-1 for 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), 1-20 mg L^-1 for 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP), 0.25-10 mg L^-1 for picric acid (PA), and 0.05-4 mg L^-1 for 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl-N-methylnitramine (tetryl) with detection limits (LOD) of 15 μg L^-1, 45 μg L^-1, 135 μg L^-1, 30 μg L^-1, and 12 μg L^-1, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of nitroaromatics in synthetic explosive mixtures and military composite explosives (comp B and octol). The electrochemical method was not affected by possible interferents of electroactive camouflage materials and common soil ions. Method validation was performed against the reference LC-MS method on TNT and PA-contaminated clay soil samples separately.

Recent Advancements for the Recognization of Nitroaromatic Explosives Using Calixarene Based Fluorescent Probes

In this era, explosives are easily available compared to the early days. Thus, more effective detection of explosives has become the main concern of homeland security. In the past decades, a large number of sensing materials have been developed for the detection of explosives in solid, vapor, and solution states through fluorescence methods. In recent years, great efforts have been devoted to developing new fluorescent materials with various sensing mechanisms for detecting explosives in order to achieve super-sensitivity, ultra-selectivity, as well as fast response time. Modified calixarenes have high potentials to detect nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) due to their favorable structural properties. It summarizes the detection of NACs by the modified calixarene system formed by the complex. Various methodologies responsible for complex formation and binding mechanisms (PET, FRET, EE, etc.) are the centerpiece of this review. Finally, conclusions and future outlook are presented and discussed.

Ethylenediamine-bound magnetite nanoparticles as dual function colorimetric sensor having charge transfer and nanozyme activity for TNT and tetryl detection

A reusable, low-cost, and convenient ethylenediamine (EDA)-bound magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs)-based colorimetric sensor has been developed for dual function colorimetric determination of nitroaromatic explosives such as TNT and tetryl. Colorimetric detection of analytes may occur through two independent routes: (1) nano-Fe₃O₄- EDA- NH₂ as σ-donor may interact with the σ- and π-acceptor aromatic-poly(NO₂) groups to produce a colored charge-transfer (CT) complex; (2) nano-Fe₃O₄-EDA-NH₂ as a Fenton-type nanozyme may generate reactive species that comprise hydroxyl radicals (^•OH) with H₂O₂ to oxidize 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to a blue-colored diimine (oxTMB-TMB) CT complex, where this color is bleached with TNT/tetryl because of donor-acceptor interactions between the explosive -NO₂ groups and the -NH₂ group of Fe₃O₄-EDA nanoparticles of restricted nanozyme activity. Both methods can quantify TNT well below the EPA recommended TNT residential screening level in soil, LOD being in the micromolar range. As EDA was covalently bound to MNPs, the same sensor can be separately reused six times for TNT and eight times for tetryl determination, using method (1). Common metal ions, anions, energetic materials, several camouflage materials, and soil components such as humates did not interfere with the nanosensor performance for TNT and tetryl. The combination of charge-transfer and nanozyme ability of Fe₃O₄- EDA-NH₂ nanoparticles may bring a new approach to dual function colorimetric sensor design. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first dual function colorimetric sensor for TNT and tetryl using the same nanoparticles as sensing elements in two different detection systems involving either formation or bleaching of colored species. The proposed colorimetric sensor can determine nitroaromatic explosives in two different ways: method-1 for TNT and tetryl sensing with EDA-MNPs relies on the donor-acceptor interaction between the electron-deficient nitroaromatics and electron-rich amine groups covalently functionalized on MNPs to produce an absorbance at 512 nm. In method-2, EDA-MNPs having nanozyme activity react with H₂O₂ to form reactive species that can oxidize TMB to its blue-colored charge-transfer (CT) complex, where TNT and tetryl addition may partially inhibit the nanozyme activity of EDA-MNPs and cause color bleaching (decrement of 650 nm absorbance) by disrupting the CT complex formed from TMB. This is the first dual function colorimetric sensor for nitro explosives uniquely combining charge-transfer and nanozyme ability of EDA-Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles in the same nano-sensor.

A Simple Determination of Trinitrotoluene (TNT) Based on Fluorescence Quenching of Rhodamine 110 with FRET Mechanism

Sensitive and selective detection of nitroaromatic explosives is an important issue in regard to human health, environment, public security and military issues. In this study, a simple and sensitive fluorescence quenching - based assay utilizing Rhodamine 110 as fluorophore probe was developed for the determination of trinitrotoluene (TNT). This sensitive fluorometric method could measure the decrease in fluorescence of Rhodamine 110 (λ_ex = 490 nm, λ_em = 521 nm) owing to the primary amine groups of Rhodamine 110 (different from other rhodamines) capable of donor-acceptor interaction with TNT. The resulting TNT-amine complex can strongly quench the fluorescence emission of Rhodamine 110 by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) which occurs as the excited Rhodamine 110 fluorophore (donor) transfers its energy to TNT (acceptor) by non-radiative dipole-dipole interaction. Fluorescence quenching varied linearly with TNT concentration, with LOD and the LOQ of 0.71 and 2.38 mg L^- 1 TNT, respectively. Similar explosives, common soil ions, and possible camouflage materials were found not to interfere with the proposed method, offering significant advantages with its easy methodology, low-cost, sensitivity, and rapidity of analysis. FRET mechanism based on dye donor-TNT acceptor interaction.

Ultra-sensitive reusable SERS sensor for multiple hazardous materials detection on single platform

We demonstrate the detection of dipicolinic acid, (DPA), a biomarker of bacterial spores for Bacillus anthracis, 2,4-Dinitrotoluene (DNT) and picric acid (PA) nitroaromatic hazardous chemicals on ultra-sensitive, reusable femtosecond laser textured Au nanostructures decorated with hierarchical AuNPs as a SERS substrate. The AuNPs were achieved by ablating an Au sheet using two different laser scan speeds (1 and 0.1 mm/s) in linear and crossed patterns. The morphological studies revealed dense hierarchical nanostructures decorated with spherical AuNPs possessing 30-40 nm in size in 0.1 mm/s laser scan. The limits of detection (LOD) of the sensor were determined from the detailed SERS measurements and were estimated to be 0.83 pg/L, 3.6 pg/L and 2.3 pg/L for DPA, DNT, and PA, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, the achieved sensitivity is nearly 2 orders improved for DPA when compared with the currently reported LODs using other techniques and 1 order in the case of SERS. Moreover, for DNT and PA the LODs were found to be either superior or comparable with recent reports. We have also demonstrated the competence of our SERS substrates by testing a few real samples (water spiked with these analytes) and again obtained very good sensitivity.

Bar adsorptive microextraction device coated with polyimide microsphere assembled by nanosheets combined with thermal desorption-gas chromatography for trace analysis of nitroaromatic explosives in environmental waters

Polyimide (PI) microspheres assembled by nanosheets were used for bar adsorptive microextraction (BAμE) for the first time. The PI microsphere possessed self-organized hierarchical nanostructure, large specific surface area (170 m²/g) and good thermostability (up to 400 °C). The BAμE device was prepared by adhering the PI microspheres on a quartz bar with Kapton double sided tape. Trace nitroaromatic explosives in environmental waters were extracted by the BAμE device, desorbed by thermal desorption (TD), and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The reproducibility of five BAμE devices prepared in parallel was less than 13.0% (expressed as relative standard deviation, RSD). The BAμE device could stand up to 30 extraction/desorption cycles without decrease of extraction efficiency. The results of method validation showed that the BAμE-TD/GC-MS method possessed wide linearity (0.05-50 μg/L or 0.05-20 μg/L), high correlation coefficients (> 0.9987), good precision (RSDs < 11.8%), low detection limits (0.005-0.013 μg/L) and high enrichment factors (528-1410). Relative recoveries were in the range of 72.2-122.6% with RSDs between 0.1% and 10.5% for real water samples. These results proved that the proposed method was a good choice for determination of organic pollutants in water samples.

Core-modified of fluoranthene with "propeller" structure for highly sensitive detection of nitroaromatic compounds

Two fluoranthene derivatives with "propeller" structure, named as 7,8,9,10-tetraphenylfluoranthene (TPFA) and 3-phenoxy-7,8,9,10-tetraphenyl fluoranthene (PO-TPFA), were designed and synthesized by introducing outer phenyl and phenoxy substituents to fluoranthene. Given the steric hindrance of this unique structure, both organic dyes exhibited similar fluorescence spectra and strong fluorescence emission from the solution to the film state. The introduction of a phenoxy group showed obvious influence to the molecular optical properties of fluoranthene. Density functional theory calculations were further conducted to verify this finding. Both dyes were used as fluorescent probes and exhibited and sensitive fluorescence response to nitroaromatic explosives and highly selectivity to picric acid. Furthermore, PO-TPFA exhibited better detection performance to nitroaromatic explosives than TPFA. This work can serve as a guide for molecular fluorescence design because these dyes possess excellent fluorescence in solution and film states and can be used for the sensitive fluorescence detection of nitroaromatic explosives.

Fluorescence chemical sensor for determining trace levels of nitroaromatic explosives in water based on conjugated polymer with guanidinium side groups

A novel fluorescent conjugated polymer (poly(2-amino-N-(2-((4-ethynylphenyl) ethynyl) phenyl)-5-guanidinopentanamide)-1,4-phenylethynylene-1,4-phenyleneethynylene, PPE-Arg) was synthesized in this paper. We found that PPE-Arg could be quenched by picric acid (PA). Photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism can be used to describe the fluorescence quenching of PPE-Arg. It could be speculated that the photo-induced electrons may be transferred from PPE-Arg to nitroaromatic explosives. In this paper, the experiment conditions and detection performance of PPE-Arg were systematically studied. The experiment results demonstrate PPE-Arg as a sensor for PA has a good linear range from 5 × 10^-7 to 6 × 10^-5 mol L^-1 with the calculated limit of detection (LOD) to be 1.0 × 10^-7 mol L^-1. Meanwhile, reaction time between PPE-Arg and PA is less than 1 min. This proposed sensor was applied to rapidly detect nitroaromatic explosives in environmental water samples and satisfactory results were obtained.