Direct Real-Time Detection of Vapors from Explosive Compounds

Journal Article · Thu Oct 03 04:00:00 EDT 2013 · Analytical Chemistry, 85(22):10977-10983

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ac402513r· OSTI ID:1130676

Ewing, Robert G.; Clowers, Brian H.; Atkinson, David A.

The real-time detection of vapors from low volatility explosives including PETN, tetryl, RDX and nitroglycerine along with various compositions containing these substances is demonstrated. This was accomplished with an atmospheric flow tube (AFT) using a non-radioactive ionization source and coupled to a mass spectrometer. Direct vapor detection was demonstrated in less than 5 seconds at ambient temperature without sample pre-concentration. The several seconds of residence time of analytes in the AFT provides a significant opportunity for reactant ions to interact with analyte vapors to achieve ionization. This extended reaction time, combined with the selective ionization using the nitrate reactant ions (NO3- and NO3-•HNO3), enables highly sensitive explosives detection. Observed signals from diluted explosive vapors indicate detection limits below 10 ppqv using selected ion monitoring (SIM) of the explosive-nitrate adduct at m/z 349, 378, 284 and 289 for tetryl, PETN, RDX and NG respectively. Also provided is a demonstration of the vapor detection from 10 different energetic formulations, including double base propellants, plastic explosives and commercial blasting explosives using SIM for the NG, PETN and RDX product ions.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1130676
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-97595
• Journal Information: Analytical Chemistry, 85(22):10977-10983, Journal Name: Analytical Chemistry, 85(22):10977-10983
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

atmospheric pressure ionization
explosives vapor detection
mass spectrometry