Explosive detection using a novel dielectric barrier discharge ionisation source for mass spectrometry

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Sensitive and rapid detection of explosives is crucial for security.
• Existing plasma-based techniques often have limitations in sample area and require specific gases or solvents.
• There is a need for high-throughput analytical methods with minimal sample preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) based ionisation source for explosive detection.
• To demonstrate the capability of the DBD source for analysing a wide range of explosives.
• To achieve high sensitivity and throughput in explosive detection without sample preparation.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel ionisation source utilizing dielectric barrier discharge (DBD).
• The DBD source incorporates asymmetric alumina sheets with multiple DBDs to analyze large surface areas.
• Operation in ambient air, eliminating the need for solvents or specific gases.
• Direct analysis of explosives using mass spectrometry.

Main Results:

• The DBD source achieved low limits of detection for common explosives: RDX (100 pg), PETN (100 pg), HMTD (1 ng), and TNT (5 ng).
• Detection was successful without any prior sample preparation or reagent addition.
• The ionic wind generated by the DBD aids in mass transportation of ions to the mass spectrometer.
• The system demonstrated high throughput analysis capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The novel DBD ionisation source offers a sensitive, rapid, and versatile platform for explosive detection.
• Its ability to operate in ambient air and without sample preparation overcomes limitations of existing methods.
• This technology holds significant potential for security applications requiring high-throughput screening.