Low-Cost Naked-Eye UVB and UVC Dosimetry Based on 3,3',5,5'-Tetramethylbenzidine

Area of Science:

• Photochemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Monitoring

Background:

• Ultraviolet radiation (UVR), including UVA, UVB, and UVC, poses risks like skin cancer and potential harm from disinfection lamps.
• Effective UV dosimetry is crucial for personal protective equipment (PPE) and industrial safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-cost, naked-eye method for detecting UVB and UVC radiation.
• To utilize the photosensitizing properties of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) for UV dosimetry.

Main Methods:

• Investigated the dose-dependent oxidation of TMB under UVB and UVC irradiation.
• Developed a wearable bracelet with TMB-loaded paper for UVB monitoring.
• Created a clock dial with TMB solution for UVC leakage detection.

Main Results:

• TMB acts as a self-photosensitizer, rapidly oxidizing in a dose-dependent manner upon UVB and UVC exposure.
• The TMB-based devices successfully indicated UVB exposure exceeding the minimum erythema dose (MED) and detected UVC leakage.
• Achieved selective coloration for UVB and UVC detection.

Conclusions:

• 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) offers a low-cost, readily available solution for UV dosimetry.
• TMB-based devices provide a simple, effective means for personal UVR monitoring and industrial UVC leakage detection.