Sensing ensembles for nitroaromatics

Abstract

Explosives can be classified into nitroaromatic compounds (NACs), nitrate esters, nitramines and peroxides. Among these, NACs are at the center of extensive literature studies. NACs are stable and useful in many military operations. However, their stability and explosiveness comes with an ever-increasing danger pertaining to their illegitimate use in terrorist activities. Moreover, NACs are toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic, and hence they need to be screened out of the environment before their levels reach the admissible limits. The development of economical, efficient, sensitive and real-time sensors for combating the threat of NACs is the greatest need of the hour. In this review, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the recent advancements in the field of NAC sensors.