An instant reused luminescent mixed matrix membrane sensor for convenient phenolic nitro-explosives detection

Abstract

Abstract Economical and simplified detection of nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) is urgently needed as environmental and security situation gets gradually serious. Herein, we report an instant reused luminescent mixed matrix membrane (MMM) sensor for selective detection of NACs. This sensor applies waste polystyrene as matrix and luminescent lanthanide complex [Tb2(4-Msal)6(H2O)4]·6H2O (Tb-4-Msal, where 4-Msal\u2009=\u20094-methylsalicylate) as fillers. The as-prepared Tb-4-Msal MMM sensor exhibits excellent stability in aquatic media with common ions and wide range pH of 1–14. The sensor presents immediate response towards phenolic nitro-explosives in a variety of NACs. With a measurement in existence of common NACs and in water of Pearl River, the MMM sensor proved its potential in practical usage. What’s more, the sensor can be handily reused only by immersing it in the tap water for 1\u2009min with bare luminescence intensity loss, demonstrates an unusual instant reusable performance with simple recover process. This lanthanide complex based luminescent MMM sensor provides an underlying platform of convenient phenolic nitro-explosives detection in aqueous environment monitoring, as well as develops the way of utilizing waste materials in sensor manufacturing.