Detection of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), which is a common impurity in 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT)-based explosives is a point of focus in the fight against act of terrorism. In this study, the donor based electrode for the detection of DNT was synthesized by modifying the surface of carbon fiber material with zero valent silver (Ag) via chemical deposition. DNT detection was conducted electrochemically in aqueous media of pH 6.0. The cyclic voltammetric oxidation of DNT is diffusion controlled with detection sensitivity increasing with Ag loading of the electrode. Nevertheless, kinetic study given by Tafel slope and transfer coefficient (0.03 and 0.22 respectively) indicated slowly to moderate chemical reaction. The only oxidation product is benzoic acid, which suggests that the difference in performance of Ag/C electrode compared to other available materials is directly ascribable to the electrode fabricated in this study. Detection limit of DNT was 5 mu M with the electrode showing no signs of degradation after several cycles, and supported by surface behavior of characterized Ag/C electrode. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.