Silica Nanoparticle/Fluorescent Dye Assembly Capable of Ultrasensitively Detecting Airborne Triacetone Triperoxide: Proof-of-Concept Detection of Improvised Explosive Devices in the Workroom

Abstract

We describe the proof of concept of a portable testing setup for the detection of triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a common component in improvised explosive devices. The system allows for field testing and generation of real-time results to test for TATP vapor traces in air by simply using circulation of the air samples through the sensing mechanism under the air conditioning system of an ordinary room. In this way, the controlled trapping of the analyte in the chemical sensor gives reliable results at extremely low concentrations of TATP in air under real-life conditions, suitable for daily use in luggage storage for airlines or a locker room for a major sporting event. The reported fluorescent methodology is very sensitive and selective, allowing for the trapping of triacetone triperoxide in the chemical sensor to give reliable results at very low concentrations in air under ambient conditions, by comparing the fluorescence of the material before and after exposition to TATP traces in air.

Magnetic and Impedance Analysis of Fe2O3 Nanoparticles for Chemical Warfare Agent Sensing Applications

“…The sensitivity and selectivity of an impedance-based sensor are determined not only by the dielectric material being probed but also by the technique used and the method of analysis [68][69][70][71]. We note an array of other sensor methodologies to probe dielectrics, including pressure/strain-induced capacitive changes [72,73], optical detection [74][75][76], and chemiresistance/conductometrics [77][78][79][80]. The general challenge of choosing a dielectric material for airborne sensing lies in the trade-off between sensitivity and selectivity: If a material is sensitive to one analyte, it is often sensitive to many analytes, reducing its selectivity considerably.…”