EXP-LA: Real-time, Compact, and Ultra-sensitive Sensor Arrays for Explosives Vapor Detection

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The aim of this proposal is to advance the development of real-time and ultra-sensitive sensor arrays for rapid explosives detection. As anticipated if successful, this work could have enormous impact on the ability to 'sniff out' ultra-trace quantities of explosives. An ultra-thin molecular sieving zeolite membrane will filter an air sample, thus serve as an explosives vapor concentrator. Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)-porphyrin conjugates spanning two electrodes will serve as sensing elements. Porphyrinoids of wide structural variety, and those selected based on the largest diversity with respect to their interaction with nitroaromatics, are used for the SWNT-modification. The dark and light conductivity of the modified SWNTs will be the data input for trainable pattern recognition software. All these features promise to impart onto the electronic nose an unprecedented speed, sensitivity and selectivity. The technology proposed is readily miniaturized and applicable for remote surveillance devices. The proposed research fosters collaborations across multiple disciplines and Universities, and offers a truly multidisciplinary training ground for students and postdocs. Also, the applied nature of the research activity lends itself for dissemination in technical as well as non-technical journal media and will be the subject of REU and outreach activities.