Novel Material for Capture and Spectral Detection of Hazardous Vapors

Rapid detection and unambiguous identification of chemical warfare agents is vital for efficient use of military and civil defense resources. While a variety of detection technologies are currently available, field-deployable systems such as the M21 passive IR standoff detector and the CAM/ICAM ion mobility detector are prone to false alarms due to the presence of interfering species. Combining pre-concentration of an analyte with optical spectroscopic techniques that provide spectral fingerprints of the adsorbed compounds presents an attractive and extremely versatile method to unequivocally identify a wide range of airborne hazardous materials. During Phase I, Lynntech has developed a novel high surface area nano-composite material that is transparent in the infrared, exhibits excellent adsorption capacity, and provides surface-enhanced spectroscopic signals. Using these materials, CWA surrogates from air can be detected at very low concentrations. The overall objective of this Phase II effort is to incorporate these materials into an air sampler/filter cartridge, and develop a fully integrated air sampler/spectroscopic detector device prototype deliverable to the US Army. The device will be a lightweight, portable system that can be easily mounted on vehicles or military installations to expand the military’s existing CWA detection capabilities.