Selective sampling with direct ion mobility spectrometric detection for explosives analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the potential and limitations of a field-deployable analytical approach that involves selective capture of explosive materials with direct analysis by ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). Selective capture of explosives was performed on deactivated quartz fiber filters impregnated with metal β-diketonate polymers. These Lewis acidic polymers selectively interact with Lewis base analytes such as explosives. The filters were directly inserted into an IMS instrument for analysis. The uptake kinetics of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) from a saturated atmosphere were characterized, and based on these studies, passive equilibrium sampling was applied to estimate the TNT concentration within an ammunition magazine that contained bulk TNT. Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) uptake from a saturated environment also was examined over a one-month period. Each incremental sampling period showed increasing quantities of RDX culminating with collection of approximately 5 ng of RDX on the filter at the end of one month. This is the first time that gas-phase uptake of RDX has been demonstrated.

Computational fluid dynamics-Monte Carlo method for calculation of the ion trajectories and applications in ion mobility spectrometry

“…Many instruments used in analytical chemistry, such as ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) [1,2], differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) [3][4][5][6], ion funnel [7,8] and ion trap [9], involve ions moving through gases under the influence of electric field, and are widely used in many fields [10][11][12][13]. IMS is a well-known method to analyze chemical substance using gas-phase mobility in a weak electric field [14][15][16], and is more and more used in the detection of explosives, drugs, chemical warfare agents, biological and medical samples [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25].…”

Evaluation of copper–1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylate metal–organic framework (Cu‐MOF) as a selective sorbent for Lewis‐base analytes

“…Previous work in our laboratory extended work by Sievers and Picker 3 and Wenzel et al 4, 5 by showing selective capture of Lewis‐base explosives on metal β‐diketonate polymer‐containing packed columns 12. We furthered these studies to include trace analysis using custom metal β‐diketonate polymer‐containing SPME fibers 13 and impregnated quartz‐fiber filters 14. We also coated capillary columns with metal β‐diketonate polymer phases to provide high‐resolution separation columns that selectively retained Lewis‐base analytes 15.…”

Testing Method for On‐Site Measurement of Explosive Materials Contaminated on Travel Luggage Bag and Backpack Using Ion Mobility Spectrometry

“…Figure shows IMS spectra of TNT and RDX at the C min_PTFE of TLB_AH part, while Figure shows those of BP_BKS part. The typical ions of TNT and RDX detected in IMS were [TNT − H] − and [RDX + Cl] − , respectively . Drift times of the TNT and RDX ions were 35.9 and 37.7 ms, respectively.…”