A novel array of chemiluminescence sensors for sensitive, rapid and high-throughput detection of explosive triacetone triperoxide at the scene

• A unique array of chemiluminescence (CL) sensors for detecting TATP is reported.
• The CL sensor array has the advantages of simple, long-lifetime.
• A response mechanism of CL sensor was discussed.

Triacetone triperoxide (TATP) is relatively easy to make and has been used in various terrorist acts. Early but easy detection of TATP is highly desired. We designed a new type sensor array for H2O2. The unique CL sensor array was based on CeO2 nanoparticles' membranes, which have an excellent catalytic effect on the luminol–H2O2 CL reaction in alkaline medium. It exhibits a linear range for the detection of H2O2 from 1.0×10−8 to 5.0×10−5 M (R2=0.9991) with a 1 s response time. The detection limit is 1.0×10−9 M. Notably, the present approach allows the design of CL sensor array assays in a more simple, time-saving, long-lifetime, high-throughput, and economical approach when compared with conventional CL sensor. It is conceptually different from conventional CL sensor assays. The novel sensor array has been successfully applied for the detection of TATP at the scene.