Highly sensitive detection of explosive triacetone triperoxide by an In2O3 sensor

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Triacetone triperoxide (TATP) is a highly sensitive explosive, easily synthesized but challenging to detect.
• Current detection methods for TATP face limitations in sensitivity and speed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel gas sensor for sensitive and rapid detection of TATP.
• To synthesize and characterize Indium Oxide (In2O3) nanoparticles for explosive detection applications.

Main Methods:

• Indium Oxide (In2O3) nanoparticles were synthesized using a glucose-assisted solvothermal method.
• The synthesized In2O3 nanoparticles were utilized to fabricate a gas sensor.
• The gas sensor's performance was evaluated based on its response to TATP.

Main Results:

• The In2O3 nanoparticle-based gas sensor demonstrated a high response to TATP.
• The sensor exhibited fast response and recovery times.
• A wide detection range (0.50-500 mg) with good and excellent stability was achieved for TATP.

Conclusions:

• Glucose-assisted solvothermal synthesis is an effective method for producing In2O3 nanoparticles for gas sensing.
• The In2O3 nanoparticle gas sensor offers a promising solution for sensitive and rapid TATP detection.
• This technology has potential applications in security and safety for explosive detection.