Photoactive thin films of terphenylene-based amorphous polymers. Synthesis, electrooptical properties, and role of photoquenching and inner filter effects in the chemosensing of nitroaromatics

•Polymeric films (≈ 30 nm) were fluorescent, amorphous and sensitive to NACs in water.•Quenching occurs after NAC diffusion in the film; responses also depend on λexc (IFE).•Terphenylene polymer sensitivities depend on the exciton mobilities within the film.•TNT is more sensitive than PA in the μM range due to its higher solubility into the film.•IFE effects strongly influence quenching efficiencies (PA > TNT) at μM concentrations.