A proof of concept towards the development of a passive sensor capable of detecting several explosives that are commonly used in homemade explosives (HMEs) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has been presented. The data showed that polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and poly(methyl methacrylate) fibers doped with Birch Yellow cadmium selenide (CdSe) QDs, Fort Orange CdSe QDs, or carbon (C) QDs responded when in the presence of explosive vapors (DNT, TNT, TATP, and RDX). In all cases, the fluorescence of the QD doped fiber became quenched when exposed to the explosive vapors. When exposed to possible interferants (i.e. acetonitrile, toluene, acetone, water, and ethanol) the QD doped fibers did not show fluorescent quenching. The relationship between fiber the morphology and the rate of fluorescent quenching is now being explored through the use of SEM imaging and quenching kinetic studies. Relatively simple integration of QDs into the fiber structure, combined with their consistent response and reusability indicate the potential for the future development of a multi-modal sensor capable of detecting and identifying explosive threats.

Impact of polymer morphology in quantum dot-doped polymer fibers used in the development of a multi-modal sensor for detecting explosive vapors

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ACS Spring 2023

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