Amperometric sensing of hydrogen peroxide vapor for security screening
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Amperometric sensing of hydrogen peroxide vapor for security screening

Abstract

Rapid detection of the hydrogen peroxide precursor of peroxide explosives is required in numerous security screening applications. We describe a highly sensitive and selective amperometric detection of hydrogen peroxide vapor at an agarose-coated Prussian-blue (PB) modified thick-film carbon transducer. The sensor responds rapidly and reversibly to dynamic changes in the level of the peroxide vapor, with no apparent carry over and with a detection limit of 6 ppbv. The remarkable selectivity of the PB-based screen-printed electrode towards hydrogen peroxide leads to effective discrimination against common beverage samples. For example, blind tests have demonstrated the ability to selectively and non-invasively identify concealed hydrogen peroxide in drinking cups and bottles. The attractive performance of the new microfabricated PB-based amperometric peroxide vapor sensor indicates great potential for addressing a wide range of security screening and surveillance applications. Figure Experimental setup (left) with three electrode electrochemical Hydrogen Peroxide sensor hanging above container of “unknown” liquid. Schematic (right) demonstrating fundamental principles of operation of the sensor.

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