Selection and characterization of adsorbents for the analysis of an explosive-related molecule traces in the air

This study is focused on the development of a 3D micro-preconcentrator for a sensitive analysis of an explosive-related compound: orthonitrotoluene (ONT). A set of potentially efficient adsorbents for the pre-concentration of ONT was investigated here. An in-depth characterization of their textural properties was carried out in order to better understand their adsorption behavior toward the target analyte. More particularly, this study allowed highlighting the interesting adsorption features of a hydrophobic zeolite and a porous activated carbon in relation to their preconcentration performances toward ONT at the ppb level. Moreover, we found a difference in the adsorption mechanism between both selected adsorbing materials.