Polyoxometalate Nanoparticles as Reversible and Selective Surface Contamination Monitors

The threat of chemical warfare agents used against our military is as great as it ever has been. The U.S. Naval forces present large targets for terrorist type activities at all parts of the globe. There are many types of quick detection strategies, suchas M8/M9 paper and Chemical Agent Monitors, which can screen liquid and powder forms of chemical agent dispersal, respectively. However, the need to continuously detect aerosols and vapors of chemical weapons remains an additional safety precaution neededon all sea-faring vessels. The aim of this Phase I proposal is to develop a robust polymeric film with embedded nanoparticles that can produce a fast, colorimetric response to the liquid and gaseous forms of chemical weapons. A swatch of this film couldbe adhered to the desired surface rendering a small fraction of the surface into a contamination monitor. Additional advantage is gain from the nontoxic and reversible nature inherent to these nanoparticles. In the Phase I-Option, transparent coatingsof this film will be tested on selective surfaces as well as involving secondary nanoparticles to enhance the range of chemical warfare agent detection. These Phase I findings will be use to develop a swatch prototype for refinement in Phase II. Thesepolymeric film swatches provide a robust and reusable chemical warfare agent monitor that could be used on any military vehicle or transport. They provide an upgrade to the M8/M9 paper technology with greater durability while using non-toxic chemicals.Civilian emergency response and homeland security personnel would greatly benefit from this technology especially as the threats within the U.S. borders increase.