Recent advances in the recognition of the explosive Mother of Satan: a review

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 using trained animals, spectroscopic techniques, electrical conductivity-based gas sensing, fluorogenic detection (quenching- or enhancement-based), colorimetric assays, etc. Recent studies have also 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.