3D spectral fluorescence signature of cerium(III)-melamine coordination polymer: A novel sensing material for explosive detection.

Abstract

Hidden or buried explosives are the most common scenario by terrorist attacks; therefore explosive vapour detection is a vital demand. Explosives are electron deficient materials; the vicinity of explosives to fluorescent material can encounter electron migration. This study reports on facile synthesis of cerium (III)-melamine coordination polymer (CeM-CP) with exclusive optical properties. CeM-CP demonstrated novel spectral fluorescence properties over visible and infrared bands when stimulated with UVA LED source at 385nm of 100mW power. Stimulated CeM-CP demonstrated unique spectral fluorescence signal at 400, 700, and 785nm. These fluorescent signals were correlated to cerium coordination with four nitrogen atoms; vacant orbital will be available for electron excitation migration. Spectral fluorescent signals were quenched as CeM-CP was subjected to TNT vapours. Hyperspectral imaging offered 3D plot of fluorescence signature. The main outcome is that complete fluorescence signal attenuation was achieved at 785nm. CeM-CP could act as as a novel sensing element for explosive vapour detection.