Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Tracking of Materiel

The ability to tag and track equipment and other supplies is an important logistical need for military operations. To address the need for covert material taggants, a non-toxic, highly stable nanocrystal quantum dot (NQD) based taggant with covert chromophoric spectral emission signatures will be developed. Based on our experience and ongoing research, strong candidates for initial particle composition and size have been identified and the baseline chromophore/NQD coupling chemistry results in a taggant technology that is both distinct from and superior to contemporary solutions, in terms of the number of unique taggants, the distinguishability of tags, and their long term environmental stability. It is also non-toxic, and therefore adheres to the increasing worldwide regulations against toxic materials. During Phase I, a series of taggants will be synthesized and the taggants ability to be easily applied to a variety material, including fabric, by simple methods, such as aerosol spray will be demonstrated. The NQD-chromophor taggant, as well as the delivery technology will then be optimized for both response function and environmental stability. Our strong expertise in functional nanoparticle synthesis, ink chemistry, and optoelectronic systems gives us great confidence that our proposed solution will meet the Army’s application requirements.