Recent innovations in explosive trace detection: Advances and emerging technologies

Detecting trace explosives is crucial for public safety in forensics, security, and environmental monitoring. This review analyzes recent advancements in four key explosive detection technologies: Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS), Gas Chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry (AIMS), and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). IMS excels in detecting low-volatile explosives in complex environments, while GC-MS offers enhanced sensitivity and resolution for trace analysis. AIMS is noted for its rapid, non-invasive, high-throughput capabilities, ideal for real-time detection. Recent improvements in SERS have increased its sensitivity across a broader range of explosive compounds. Despite these advances, challenges such as low recovery rates, cross-sensitivity, and environmental interference remain. The paper highlights the need for continued innovation to improve sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy, addressing evolving security, forensic, and environmental threats.