Overview
A conjugate polymer poly [2-methoxy-5-(3’,7’ –dimethyloctyloxy) -1,4-phenylenevinylene (MDMO-PPV) has been found to be useful for the detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). We have found that the orange fluorescence of MDMO-PPV is immediately quenched when sprayed on TNT at room temperature. It has been shown that the bright orange fluorescence of MDMO-PPV turns brownish black even on slight traces of TNT. The change of color is quite significant and can be easily observed in visible or daylight illumination. The fluorescence quenching of the conjugate polymer in the presence of TNT is also studied by emission and absorption spectroscopy.