Detection of TATP precursor acetone at trace levels using rf sputtered SnO[sub]2[/sub] thin film-based sensors

Arijit Chowdhuri; Anjali Sharma; Vinay Gupta

doi:10.1117/12.883761

3 June 2011 Detection of TATP precursor acetone at trace levels using rf sputtered SnO₂ thin film-based sensors

Arijit Chowdhuri, Anjali Sharma, Vinay Gupta

Proceedings Volume 8018, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XII; 80181V (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883761
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2011, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Emerging threats of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and homemade explosives (HMEs) have created a demand for reliable and unambiguous recognition of constituent analytes. Triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a cyclic peroxide based explosive has become a weapon of choice [1] in the hands of resourceful urban insurgents mainly because of ease of manufacture with readily available precursor constituents (acetone and concentrated hydrogen peroxide). Failure of conventional EDDs due to absence of nitrogen compounds coupled with the fact that TATP exhibits no significant absorption in UV region and does not demonstrate fluorescence has confined its detection to IR and Raman spectroscopy besides some enzyme-based tests and mass spectrometry [2]. Hence there is an urgent need for highly sensitive technique with a fast response speed that can detect presence of TATP at extremely low vapour pressure and purposely camouflaged physically or under cross-contamination with interfering compounds. In the present work trace level (20 ppm) acetone (precursor of TATP) sensing characteristics of rf sputtered semiconducting SnO₂ thin films having embedded Pt interdigital electrodes have been investigated. Specifically a fast response speed of 08 seconds is noted and sensing characteristics of bare SnO2 and catalyst-SnO₂ hetero-structures are compared. Innovative catalyst dispersal technique is shown to enhance sensor response as also reduce response times. Novel sensing hetero-structures with reversible acetone detection capabilities are shown to provide a feasible alternative for real-field operation along with remote detection with limited sample size.

Citation Download Citation

Arijit Chowdhuri, Anjali Sharma, and Vinay Gupta "Detection of TATP precursor acetone at trace levels using rf sputtered SnO₂ thin film-based sensors", Proc. SPIE 8018, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XII, 80181V (3 June 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883761

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KEYWORDS

Sensors

Thin films

Resistance

Platinum

Improvised explosive devices

Explosives

Electrodes

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