Selective and sensitive aqueous-phase detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) by an amine-functionalized metal-organic framework.

Highly selective and sensitive aqueous-phase detection of nitro explosive 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) by a hydrolytically stable 3D luminescent metal-organic framework is reported. The compound senses TNP exclusively even in the presence of other nitro-compounds, with an unprecedented sensitivity in the MOF regime by means of strategic deployment of its free amine groups. Such an accurate sensing of TNP, widely recognized as a harmful environmental contaminant in water media, establishes this new strategic approach as one of the frontiers to tackle present-day security and health concerns in a real-time scenario.