New ultrasensitive sensor can detect explosives, pollutants: Study
PTI, Dec 1, 2019, 3:51 PM IST
Moscow: Researchers have developed an ultra sensitive detector based on black silicon that can be applied to identify the majority of explosives, or highly toxic pollutants for medical and forensic analysis.
The study, published in the journal ACS Sensors, noted that the new device can detect trace amounts of nitroaromatic compounds which make up most of the explosives.
The researchers, including those from Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) in Russia, said the sensor is made from black silicon which has an ultrasmall, nanoscale spiky surface exhibiting unique optical properties.
They said this surface is covered with a single layer of complex organic molecules called carbazole to impart the substrate with certain important functions such as the ability to bind and concentrate nitroaromatic compounds on the surface.
The carbazole layer makes the device sensitive to widely spread nitroaromatic substances such as trinitrotoluene, commonly called TNT, an explosive.
However, the researchers added that the sensor does not react to the presence of other molecules like benzene, methanol, ethanol, and so on.
“Nitroaromatic compounds can be found in the waste waters of paint plants or military facilities and are extremely dangerous for the environment. Moreover, they are parts of many explosives as well. Their detection in trace concentration represents an important and complex practical task,” said study co-author Alexander Kuchmizhak from FEFU.
The study noted that the sensor identifies the presence of nitroaromatic compounds by registering the changes in the way the carbazole layer reacted to light.
“Combination of unique morphological and optical properties of black silicon being combined with easy-to-implement methods of surface chemistry used to functionalize silicon surface with carbazole molecules allowed to achieve unprecedented sensitivity,” explained study co-author Alexander Mironenko from FEFU.
He said the sensor can detect nitroaromatic compounds at concentrations down to a part per trillion.
“Extremely broad dynamic measurement range is caused by the unique spiky morphology of black silicon that provides uneven local concentration of carbazole molecules creating surface sites with different sensitivity,” Mironenko said.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Don’t blame Dubai’s freak rain on cloud seeding
ISRO Gears Up to Test Critical Parachute Safety of Gaganyaan
Indian students bag NASA awards for Human Exploration Rover Challenge
‘Mastering the Data Paradox’: Book uncovers pivotal role of data in AI age
Bitcoin’s latest ‘halving’ has arrived. Here’s what you need to know
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Lok Sabha 2024: Tribal hamlet of Banjarumale in Belthangady records 100% voter turnout
Padubidri: Speeding car collides with electric pole, one dead
Bantwal: Man injured in stabbing incident
Akhilesh Yadav accuses BJP of job losses and employment failure
Mangaluru: Pavoor Uliya residents overcome obstacles, reach polling stations by boat