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Upconversion Nanoparticle Tagging of Explosives and Post-blast Residue Analysis by Single Particle ICP-MS.
Tim Steinwachs1, Sophia Jolanta Baumann2, Tilo Daniel Schachel3
1Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Muenster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
Analytical Chemistry
|December 18, 2025
Summary
Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) can be used as forensic markers in explosives used in automated teller machine (ATM) attacks. spICP-MS analysis successfully detected UCNPs after detonations, aiding in tracing explosive origins.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Automated teller machine (ATM) attacks utilizing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are a growing concern for public safety.
- Current methods for tracing explosives used in ATM attacks lack sufficient detail to identify specific sources.
- Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) offer potential as novel forensic taggants for enhanced traceability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of UCNPs as forensic taggants in explosives commonly used in ATM attacks.
- To evaluate the detection and recovery of UCNPs post-detonation using single particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (spICP-MS).
- To assess the impact of detonation on UCNP particle size and distribution across different explosive matrices and target materials.
Main Methods:
- Two types of UCNPs (NaYF4:Yb,Er and NaYbF4:Tm) were incorporated into flash powder and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) based polymer-bonded explosive (PBX).
- Test detonations were conducted, and residues were collected from copper, aluminum, and quartz glass target plates at varying distances.
- Residue analysis was performed using spICP-MS for UCNP detection and particle size distribution analysis.
Main Results:
- spICP-MS successfully and reproducibly detected UCNPs in post-detonation residues.
- UCNPs incorporated in flash powder showed minimal particle size reduction (2.4–6.7%) after detonation.
- UCNPs in PETN-based explosives experienced greater size reduction (33.4–46.0%), with no significant differences observed across target materials.
Conclusions:
- UCNPs are viable forensic taggants for explosives used in ATM attacks.
- spICP-MS is an effective analytical technique for detecting UCNPs in post-explosion residues.
- This technology can significantly enhance the traceability of explosives, aiding legal authorities in identifying vendors and distribution networks.
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