title: Determination of TNT explosive based on its selectively interaction with creatinine-capped CdSe/ZnS quantum dots.
abstract: Here, a creatinine-modified CdSe/ZnS quantum dots fluorescent probe has been prepared and used for sensing 2,4,6,-trinitrotoluene explosive (TNT). The proposed method is based on the selective interaction between creatinine and nitroaromatic compounds according to the well-known Jaffé reaction. The procedure for the synthesis of creatinine-CdSe/ZnS reagent is very simple and reproducible and its fluorescent characteristics are reported. We found that the presence of TNT quenches the original fluorescence of creatinine-QD according to the Stern-Volmer model. Under the working conditions, the calibration plot of Io/I versus concentration of TNT was linear in the range 10-300μg L(-1) (R(2)=0.996). The mechanism interaction is discussed. The selectivity of fluorescence quenching of creatinine-QD for TNT has been evaluated. Finally, the potential application of the proposed methodology for the determination of TNT in spiked soils is demonstrated. For the analysis of soil samples a solid-liquid extraction is carried out and a four-point standard addition protocol is used to correct the matrix effect. The method, which is simple and rapid, allows the detection of 0.057μg g(-1) of TNT in soil samples. This sensor could be a useful tool for environmental studies, a crucial topic for nanotechnology nowadays.
authors.affiliation: Department of Analytical Chemistry, Marie Curie Building (Annex), Campus de Rabanales, University of Córdoba, E-14071 Córdoba, Spain.
authors.forename: Carolina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carrillo-Carrión
authors.forename: Bartolomé M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Simonet
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Valcárcel
keywords: 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT); Creatinine; Fluorescence quenching; Jaffé reaction; Quantum dots; Soil samples