Fluorescence quenching studies of conjugated polymer poly[2-methoxy-5-(3′,7′-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene in the presence of TNT

We report fluorescence quenching of the conjugated polymer poly[2-methoxy-5-(3′,7′-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene (MDMO–PPV) in the presence of nitrated explosives, such as, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). It is found that the conjugated polymer changes color from orange to brownish black when sprayed on traces of TNT within a few seconds. Fluorescence quenching of the conjugated polymer in the presence of TNT is also studied by absorption and emission spectroscopy. The conjugated polymer is highly selective for sensing TNT in daylight and ambient conditions.