Colorimetric Detection of Picric Acid Using Rhodamine Dye Loaded Nanofiber Membrane

摘要

A new rhodamine based cellulose acetate nanofibers were fabricated for the colorimetric detection of picric acid without any surface modification of nanofibers. Rhodamine loaded cellulose acetate nanofibers were electrospun using electrospinning method. This sensing membrane was selective to picric acid compared to other nitro compounds. The nanofiber sensor was characterized using absorption spectroscopy and evaluated for sensing of picric acid. The results suggest that the sensitivity range of picric acid was 0.3 mM with a significant visible color change from pink to orange. The linear fit coefficient shows the detection limit of 0.18 ± 0.02 mM with R~2 = 0.985. This prototype is low-cost, simple and portable. This sensing membrane can be used for homeland security, forensic and crime investigations.