Recent advances on the recognition of the explosive Mother of Satan: A review

Abstract

Due to the ease of synthesis and use, improvised explosive devices pose a significant global security threat. Triacetone triperoxide (TATP) is a commonly used peroxide-based explosive with a detonation strength reported to be about 88% higher than that of trinitrotoluene (TNT). Detection of TATP at security-sensitive locations such as airports and railway stations is particularly challenging because its molecular structure lacks nitrogen-containing functional groups (e.g., N–NO2 or N–N bonds) typically targeted by conventional explosive detection systems. In addition, TATP readily sublimes at room temperature and, unlike most nitro-explosives, leaves minimal or no detectable post-blast residues. In certain analytical assays, TATP can generate products like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) when chromogenic reagents such as titanyl oxalate are used in microfluidic paper-based devices, although the color intensity is significantly weaker. Various technical type detection approaches have been reported, including trained animals, spectroscopic techniques, electrical conductivity-based gas sensing, fluorogenic detection (quenching- or enhancement-based), colorimetric assays etc. Recent studies also have highlighted nanomaterial-assisted sensing strategies, including nanoparticle and nanocluster-based detection employing current variation, fluorescence alteration and color change. Spot analysis was also documented in this aspect.