Colorimetric paper sensor for sensitive detection of explosive nitroaromatics based on Au@Ag nanoparticles

Rapid, reliable, onsite approaches for detection trace level of trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a pressing necessity for both homeland security and environmental protection. To this end, hydrophilic amine(-NH2) protected Au@Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were developed and fabricated as colorimetric paper sensor for delicate detection of TNT. The as-developed nanoprobe selectively reacts with TNT through classic Meisenheimer complex formation by means of charge transfer process from an electron-rich NH2 group of β-cysteamine to an electron-deficient nitro group on TNT. Due to the absence of this particular interaction of other nitroaromatics, the proposed probe is highly selective for TNT detection with a better linear range (0–20 μg/mL) and limit of detection (LOD) of 0.35 μg/mL. The present work provides a novel and facile strategy to fabricate colorimetric paper sensors with rapid and selective recognition ability for label free analysis of TNT.