A label-free fluorescence sensing approach for selective and sensitive detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) in aqueous solution using graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets.

An effective and facile fluorescence sensing approach for the determination of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) using the chemically oxidized and liquid exfoliated graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets was developed. The strong inner filter effect and molecular interactions (electrostatic, π-π, and hydrogen bonding interactions) between TNP and the g-C3N4 nanosheets led to the fluorescence quenching of the g-C3N4 nanosheets with efficient selectivity and sensitivity. Under optimal conditions, the limit of detection for TNP was found to be 8.2 nM. The proposed approach has potential application for visual detection of TNP in natural water samples for public safety and security.