Electrochemical Sensing of Trinitrotoluene Explosive Using a Porphyrin-Based Nanocomposite
摘要
The rapid and selective detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is critical for environmental monitoring and national security. In this study, a novel electrochemical sensor based on a self-assembled nanocomposite comprising zero-valent iron (Fe), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), and tetra(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) was developed for TNT detection. The Fe/GNPs@TCPP nanocomposite exhibited a porous, fibrous structure with enhanced conductivity, high surface area, and strong affinity for nitroaromatic compounds. Structural and chemical characterizations confirmed the successful integration of the components. Electrochemical analysis demonstrated excellent sensitivity and selectivity for TNT, with a clear and reproducible response in both cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The optimized composite displayed a low detection limit of 0.104 µM and a wide linear range, outperforming conventional materials. Its performance remained stable under various pH conditions and scan rates, demonstrating proton-coupled electron transfer behavior. The synergistic interaction of Fe, GNPs, and TCPP enhances both electron transfer and analyte recognition, making this nanocomposite a promising candidate for field-deployable TNT sensors.
Graphical Abstract