Miniature nitro and peroxide vapor sensors using nanoporous thin films

Blue, R., Thomson, N., Taylor, S. J., Fletcher, A. J., Skabara, P. J. and Uttamchandani, D. (2016) Miniature nitro and peroxide vapor sensors using nanoporous thin films. IEEE Sensors Journal, 16(24), pp. 8767-8774. (doi: 10.1109/JSEN.2016.2559442)

Abstract

With the increased and continuous threat of terrorist attacks in public areas, new sensors are required to safeguard the public from homemade explosive devices. Current commercial sensors for explosive vapors are high-cost, bulky equipment, not amenable to mass production, thus limiting their widespread deployment within society. We are conducting research on polymer-based microsensors that can overcome these limitations. Our devices offer an approach to the realization of low-cost sensors that can readily be placed as a network of electronic sentinels that can be permanently located in the areas of public access. The polymers are chemically tailored to have a high affinity for nitro and peroxide vapors and are grown electrochemically on microelectrodes. Novel nanoporous polymer-based sensors are demonstrated with a detection level of 200 ppb of nitro vapors. In addition, a prototype reversible sensor for peroxide vapors is demonstrated to low ppm concentrations.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Skabara, Professor Peter
• Authors: Blue, R., Thomson, N., Taylor, S. J., Fletcher, A. J., Skabara, P. J., and Uttamchandani, D.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
• Journal Name: IEEE Sensors Journal
• Publisher: IEEE
• ISSN: 1530-437X
• ISSN (Online): 1558-1748
• Published Online: 27 April 2016
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 IEEE
• First Published: First published in IEEE Sensors Journal 16(24):8767-8774
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher