Highly sensitive detection of nitroaromatic explosives using an electrospun nanofibrous sensor based on a novel fluorescent conjugated polymer

► A novel electrospun nanofibrous sensor was constructed for nitroaromatic explosives. ► A new conjugated polymer P was developed as a fluorescent probe of the sensor. ► The sensor exhibited remarkable sensitivity toward nitroaromatic explosive vapors. ► The present strategy shows potentials in fabrication of portable sensing devices.