Comparison of fluorescence and QCM technologies: Example of explosives detection with a π-conjugated thin film

A π-conjugated compound was synthesized as a sensitive material for explosives detection. The detection of vapors of 2,4-dinitrotoluene was demonstrated with quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and fluorescence transduction methods. The fluorescence intensity monitoring shows a higher sensitivity and selectivity than the monitoring of the QCM frequency. Both methods appear to be synergic when used simultaneously as the sensor helps to discriminate interferent vapors from nitroaromatics.