The 2D hyperbranched conjugated polymer P₂ was synthesized and used as a sensor for detecting TNT.

Thermal stability, solubility, sensitivity and thermodynamic driving force of the hyperbranched conjugated polymer were improved.

The quenching speed of P₂ positively correlates with the rate of electron transfer.

Hyperbranched conjugated polymers afford multi-dimensional transport pathways for exciton migration.

Quantum-chemical calculations were performed to study the binding mode of sensors and TNT.