title: A hybrid nanosensor for TNT vapor detection.
abstract: Real-time detection of trace chemicals, such as explosives, in a complex environment containing various interferents has been a difficult challenge. We describe here a hybrid nanosensor based on the electrochemical reduction of TNT and the interaction of the reduction products with conducting polymer nanojunctions in an ionic liquid. The sensor simultaneously measures the electrochemical current from the reduction of TNT and the conductance change of the polymer nanojunction caused from the reduction product. The hybrid detection mechanism, together with the unique selective preconcentration capability of the ionic liquid, provides a selective, fast, and sensitive detection of TNT. The sensor, in its current form, is capable of detecting parts-per-trillion level TNT in the presence of various interferents within a few minutes.
authors.affiliation: Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors, Biodesign Institute, and Department of Electrical Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA.
authors.forename: Alvaro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Díaz Aguilar
authors.forename: Erica S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Forzani
authors.forename: Mathew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Leright
authors.forename: Francis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tsow
authors.forename: Avi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cagan
authors.forename: Rodrigo A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Iglesias
authors.forename: Larry A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Nagahara
authors.forename: Islamshah
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Amlani
authors.forename: Raymond
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tsui
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Tao
mesh_terms: D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D003217:Conductometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D004573:Electrolytes; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D053834:Explosive Agents; D007477:Ions; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
chemical_list: D004573:Electrolytes; D053834:Explosive Agents; D007477:Ions; D011108:Polymers