The use of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane for the detection of nerve agents and blister agents

초록

Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs) have the ability to disperse rapidly even at low concentrations which may result in deadly consequences. Since, it can be used for terrorism, it continues to represent a significant threat to humankind. Hence, there is a crucial need for the advancement of technology that can rapidly and accurately detect these lethal agents. Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) sensors were employed for the CWA detection due to their notable advantages which includes high sensitivity, swift responsiveness, reversibility, ease of production, and compact size. In recent times, SAW sensor technology remains in the focus of active development. SAW sensors operate by detecting the target gases by the use of sensing materials applied onto the delay line that results in the frequency shifts. In this study, a SAW sensor coated with Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (POSS-HFIP) based sensing material was used to detect three CWAs which includes Tabun, Sarin, and Mustard gas along with their simulants namely Dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP), and 2-Chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). The results exhibited a frequency shift of approximately 150 to 250 Hz for DMMP concentration of 0.1 mg/m³ and CEES concentration of 1.0 mg/m³. Furthermore, the results demonstrated a frequency shift of around 2.26 to 3.88 kHz for Tabun and Sarin at a concentration of 0.1 mg/m³, and Mustard gas at 1.0 mg/m³. Hence, POSS-HFIP can be a promising candidate for the detection of CWAs and their simulant.