Targeted synthesis of core-shell porous aromatic frameworks for selective detection of nitro aromatic explosives via fluorescence two-dimensional response

A series of core-shell porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) are synthesized for selective detection of nitro-explosives. The conjugated core-shell PAFs possess large surface areas, which can facilitate the pre-concentration of a targeted analyte, leading to superior sensitivity. The tunable LUMO energy levels of these core-shell PAFs make them selectively detect high explosive TNT and TNP from other competing nitro compounds. Moreover, vapor phase detection of nitro aromatics using PPC-PPyS-PAF-2 exhibits a two dimensional fluorescence signal response toward different nitro aromatics. The power to accurately recognize nitro aromatic explosives in the fluorescent 2D map highlights the core-shell PAFs as very promising materials for nitro explosive sensing.