Abstract
Rapid detection of the hydrogen peroxide precursor of peroxide explosives is required in numerous security screening applications. We describe a highly sensitive and selective amperometric detection of hydrogen peroxide vapor at an agarose-coated Prussian-blue (PB) modified thick-film carbon transducer. The sensor responds rapidly and reversibly to dynamic changes in the level of the peroxide vapor, with no apparent carry over and with a detection limit of 6 ppbv. The remarkable selectivity of the PB-based screen-printed electrode towards hydrogen peroxide leads to effective discrimination against common beverage samples. For example, blind tests have demonstrated the ability to selectively and non-invasively identify concealed hydrogen peroxide in drinking cups and bottles. The attractive performance of the new microfabricated PB-based amperometric peroxide vapor sensor indicates great potential for addressing a wide range of security screening and surveillance applications.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 371-376 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry |
Volume | 395 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2009 |
Keywords
- Explosives
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Prussian-blue
- Screen-printed electrodes
- Security screening
- Vapor sensor
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry