Application of CdSe quantum dots for the direct detection of TNT

CdSe quantum dots were synthesized through a simple, green organic-phase method. Paraffin was used as the reaction solvent and a reducing agent, oleic acid was the reaction ligand, and oleyl amine was the stabilizer. Based on the phenomenon of TNT quenched oil-soluble CdSe quantum dot fluorescence, a simple, fast, and direct method of TNT detection was established. Under optimum conditions, the degree of fluorescence quenching of oil-soluble CdSe quantum dots had a good linear correlation with TNT concentration in the 1.0 × 10−7-5.0 × 10−5 mol/L range, and the correlation coefficient was 0.9990. TNT detection limit was 2.1 × 10−8 mol/L. The method was successfully used to determine TNT-explosion dust samples, results were satisfactory. The fluorescence quenching mechanism of oil-soluble CdSe quantum dots by TNT was also discussed.