Observation of nanoscale hot-spot generation on a 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol (TNP) single crystal

► The hot-spot generation on a surface of TNP crystal has been directly initiated by means of an AFM tip. ► The generation of hot-spot at the nanoscale is accompanied by producing agglomerated spherical-like nanoparticles. ► The agglomerated nanoparticles are produced outside of the stimulated region of TNP crystal. ► The decomposition process at the nanoscale does not lead to a self-sustaining shock as explosion of TNP crystal.