KEYWORDS: Explosives, Sensors, Liquids, Explosives detection, Chemical analysis, Molecules, Principal component analysis, RGB color model, Solids, Nose
In the framework of the research project "Xsense" at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) we are developing a
simple colorimetric sensor array which can be useful in detection of explosives like DNT, TATP, HMX, RDX and
identification of reagents needed for making homemade explosives. The technology is based on an array of chemoselective
compounds immobilized on a solid support. Upon exposure to the analyte in suspicion the colorimetric array
changes color. Each chosen compound reacts chemo-selectively with analytes of interest. A change in a color signature
indicates the presence of unknown explosives and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
We are working towards the selection of compounds that undergo color changes in the presence of explosives and
VOCs, as well as the development of an immobilization method for the molecules. Digital imaging of the colorimetric
array before and after exposure to the analytes creates a color difference map which gives a unique fingerprint for each
explosive and VOCs. Such sensing technology can be used for screening relevant explosives in a complex background as
well as to distinguish mixtures of volatile organic compounds distributed in gas and liquid phases. This sensor array is
inexpensive, and can potentially be produced as single use disposable.
Realizing that no one sensing principle is perfect we set out to combine four fundamentally different sensing principles
into one device. The reasoning is that each sensor will complement the others and provide redundancy under various
environmental conditions. As each sensor can be fabricated using microfabrication the inherent advantages associated
with MEMS technologies such as low fabrication costs and small device size allows us to integrate the four sensors into
one portable device at a low cost.
In an effort to produce a handheld explosives sensor the Xsense project has been initiated at the Technical University of
Denmark in collaboration with a number of partners. Using micro- and nano technological approaches it will be
attempted to integrate four detection principles into a single device. At the end of the project, the consortium aims at
having delivered a sensor platform consisting of four independent detector principles capable of detecting concentrations
of TNT at sub parts-per-billion (ppb) concentrations and with a false positive rate less than 1 parts-per-thousand. The
specificity, sensitivity and reliability are ensured by the use of clever data processing , surface functionalisation and
nanostructured sensors and sensor surfaces.
KEYWORDS: Sensors, Explosives, Bioalcohols, Explosives detection, Color difference, RGB color model, Statistical analysis, Chemical analysis, Molecules, Principal component analysis
In the framework of the research project 'Xsense' at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) we
are developing a simple colorimetric sensor array which can be useful in detection of explosives like DNT and
TNT, and identification of volatile organic compounds in the presence of water vapor in air. The technology is
based on an array of chemo-responsive dyes immobilized on a solid support. Upon exposure to the analyte in
suspicion the dye array changes color. Each chosen dye reacts chemo selectively with analytes of interest. A
change in a color signature indicates the presence of unknown explosives and volatile organic compounds
(VOCs).
We are working towards the selection of dyes that undergo color changes in the presence of explosives
and VOCs, as well as the development of an immobilization method for the molecules. Digital imaging of the
dye array before and after exposure to the analytes creates a color difference map which gives a unique
fingerprint for each explosive and volatile organic compound. Such sensing technology can be used to screen for
relevant explosives in a complex background as well as to distinguish mixtures of volatile organic compounds
distributed in gas phase. This sensor array is inexpensive, and can potentially be produced as single use
disposable.
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