Solid membrane electrode assembly for on board detection of peroxides based explosives

The threat to human populace from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is increasing at an alarming rate. Many devices for IEDs detection lacks sensitivity, reliability, portability: a major issue to be addressed. In this work, we fabricated a disposable solid phase electrolyte/electrode (SPEE) interfaces for the detection of trace quantities of peroxide based explosives, namely, triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD) which were synthesized without recrystallization, and their precursors: H2O2 and acetone via electrochemical technique. The SPEE device was able to detect 8.66 ± 1.048 ng of TATP at its vapor pressure of 4.80 Pa at 298 K. However, the device only gives good result during the first time usage. As suggested by the electrochemical cell impedance test, mass transfer limitations caused by the solution and charge transfer resistances at the electrode interface impedes reaction kinetics. Nevertheless, the ease of fabrication, response and speed make SPEE sensor an excellent choice and offer opportunity for the development of miniature sensors for screening of IEDs and its precursors at various screening sites.