Synthesis, Characterization, Evolution of Potential application of Ce metal complexes as luminescent markers for explosives 1, 2, 4, 5-benzenetetracarboxlyic acid

Abstract

The development of rapid, selective, and sensitive detection methods for nitroaromatic explosives is critically important for forensic science and security applications. In this study, two cerium-based metal–organic complexes were synthesized via a sonication-assisted method using 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid as the primary ligand, both in the absence and presence of the co-ligand 2-[(hydroxy-2-methyl-5-phosphonoxymethyl-pyridin-4-ylmethyl)amino]-propionic acid. The synthesized complexes were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Fluorescence sensing experiments revealed that both complexes exhibit high selectivity and sensitivity toward picric acid (2,4,6-trinitrophenol) among a range of nitroaromatic analytes. Notably, the co-ligand-containing complex demonstrated enhanced fluorescence quenching efficiency and larger Stern–Volmer constants. These findings highlight the potential of cerium complexes based on 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid as effective luminescent probes for the identification of explosive compounds, enabling rapid and safe detection of hazardous materials in security-related scenarios and forensic investigations.