Transparent nanocellulose paper-based biodegradable colorimetric nerve agent detectors

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Sensing
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) offer unique properties for advanced material applications.
• Developing sensitive and selective vapor-phase chemical sensors is crucial for safety and security.
• Transparent sensors that retain visual clarity during detection are highly desirable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a transparent cellulose nanofiber (t-CNF) based sensor for the colorimetric detection of diethyl chlorophosphate (DCP) vapor.
• To investigate the sensing mechanism and performance of the t-CNF sensor for nerve agent mimic detection.
• To evaluate the sensor's transparency preservation and biodegradability for practical applications.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of succinylated transparent cellulose nanofiber (t-CNF) films.
• Anchoring a DCP receptor with an oxime residue onto the t-CNF surface to create CNF-Azo films.
• Exposing CNF-Azo films to DCP vapor and observing colorimetric changes and transparency.

Main Results:

• CNF-Azo films demonstrated selective colorimetric detection of DCP vapor, changing from yellow to purple.
• The transparency of the t-CNF films was maintained during the DCP detection process.
• The developed sensor is biodegradable, offering a disposable and environmentally friendly solution.

Conclusions:

• Succinyl-modified transparent cellulose nanofiber films functionalized with oxime receptors provide a viable platform for selective vapor-phase DCP detection.
• The sensor's ability to preserve transparency during colorimetric detection is a significant advantage for real-time monitoring applications.
• The biodegradable nature of the CNF-based sensor supports its potential for sustainable, disposable chemical sensing devices.