Multifunctional ultra-high vacuum apparatus for studies of the interactions of chemical warfare agents on complex surfaces

Journal Article · Wed Jan 15 00:00:00 EST 2014 · Review of Scientific Instruments

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4846656· OSTI ID:22250729

Wilmsmeyer, Amanda R.; Morris, John R. ^[1]; Gordon, Wesley O.; Mantooth, Brent A.; Lalain, Teri A. ^[2]; Davis, Erin Durke ^[3]

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1. Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 (United States)
2. Research and Technology Directorate, U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010 (United States)
3. OptiMetrics, Inc., Abingdon, Maryland 21009 (United States)

A fundamental understanding of the surface chemistry of chemical warfare agents is needed to fully predict the interaction of these toxic molecules with militarily relevant materials, catalysts, and environmental surfaces. For example, rules for predicting the surface chemistry of agents can be applied to the creation of next generation decontaminants, reactive coatings, and protective materials for the warfighter. Here, we describe a multifunctional ultra-high vacuum instrument for conducting comprehensive studies of the adsorption, desorption, and surface chemistry of chemical warfare agents on model and militarily relevant surfaces. The system applies reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry to study adsorption and surface reactions of chemical warfare agents. Several novel components have been developed to address the unique safety and sample exposure challenges that accompany the research of these toxic, often very low vapor pressure, compounds. While results of vacuum-based surface science techniques may not necessarily translate directly to environmental processes, learning about the fundamental chemistry will begin to inform scientists about the critical aspects that impact real-world applications.

• OSTI ID: 22250729
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 85, Issue 1; Other Information: (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0034-6748
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
ABSORPTION
ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY
ADSORPTION
CATALYSTS
CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS
DESORPTION
GLOBAL ASPECTS
INFRARED SPECTRA
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
PRESSURE RANGE MICRO PA
PRESSURE RANGE MILLI PA
TOXICITY
VAPOR PRESSURE
X-RAY PHOTOELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY