Novel Fluorescent Nanofibrous Membrane As Sensory Materials – towards Landmine Detection

The worldwide landmine problem is one of driving forces for the development of explosive detection. The fluorescence sensor described here is developed via simple and cost-effective routes for landmine signature vapors detection in vapor phase at ultratrace concentration levels. Electrospinning is adapted to generate highly porous nanofibrous morphology, providing large surface-to-volume ratio and free channels to expedient analytes adsorption and diffusion. The binding between the sensing film with electron-deficient explosive molecules results in a dramatic decrease in fluorescence emission (e.g. 90% quenching by 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) vapor within 6 min). In addition, this sensor shows a remarkable selectivity towards nitrated explosives vapor, such as DNT, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (RDX), 2,4,6-trinitrophenylmethylnitramine (Tetryl), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) and nitroglycerin (NG). A portable sensor prototype with a handheld UV lamp has been demonstrated for the detection of DNT buried in soil, indicating its potential application for visualizing landmines by naked eyes.