Imprinting of molecular recognition sites through electropolymerization of functionalized Au nanoparticles: Development of an electrochemical TNT sensor based on π-donor-acceptor interactions

Electrochemical sensors for the analysis of TNT with enhanced sensitivities are described. The enhanced sensitivities are achieved by tailoring π-donor-acceptor interactions between TNT and π-donor-modified electrodes or π-donor-cross-linked Au nanoparticles linked to the electrode. In one configuration a p-aminothiophenolate monolayer-modified electrode leads to the analysis of TNT with a sensitivity corresponding to 17 ppb (74 nM). In the second configuration, the cross-linking of Au NPs by oligothioaniline bridges to the electrode yields a functionalized electrode that detects TNT with a sensitivity that corresponds to 460 ppt (2 nM). Most impressively, the imprinting of molecular TNT recognition sites into the π-donor oligoaniline-cross-linked Au nanoparticles yields a functionalized electrode with a sensitivity that corresponds to 46 ppt (200 pM). The electrode reveals high selectivity, reusability, and stability.