Dielectric materials for sensing and detection of toxic chemicals
Inventors
Assignees
United States Department of the Army • Government of the United States of America
Publication Number
US-11585798-B1
Publication Date
2023-02-21
Expiration Date
2039-02-07
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Abstract
The invention is directed towards dielectric materials, BaTiO3, BaZrO3, and/or BaTi1-xZrxO3, such that 0≤x≤1, for detecting, sensing, filtering, reacting, or absorbing toxic chemicals, such as chemical warfare agents (“CWAs”) and their structural analogs, toxic industrial chemicals and narcotics, wherein the dielectric material is incorporated into a sensor for detecting, sensing, filtering, reacting, or absorbing the toxic chemicals.
Core Innovation
The invention is directed towards dielectric materials, specifically BaTiO3, BaZrO3, and BaTi1-xZrxO3 where 0≤x≤1, for detecting, sensing, filtering, reacting, or absorbing toxic chemicals including chemical warfare agents (CWAs), toxic industrial chemicals, and narcotics. These dielectric materials are incorporated into sensors designed to interact with the toxic chemicals and produce measurable changes in properties indicating their presence.
The problem being solved arises because while metal oxides are known to detoxify toxic chemicals, perovskite metal oxides with the structure of BaTiO3 and related compounds have not been widely exploited for this purpose. Existing materials like SrTiO3 and BaTiO3 have limited decontamination rates against some chemicals such as 2-Chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES). Thus, improved perovskite materials and detection methods are needed to enhance decontamination and sensing of CWAs and their analogs.
This invention provides novel perovskite-based ferroelectric or piezoelectric dielectric materials that undergo distinct changes in properties such as ferroelectric spectrum or impedance when exposed to toxic chemicals. These changes allow their incorporation into sensors, including capacitors and interdigitated electrodes, for selective detection and quantification of CWAs and analogs. Additionally, these materials can be used as decontaminant wipes or sprayable slurries, providing multifunctional use for both sensing and neutralization of hazardous substances.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent claim covering a sensor and related method, detailing the main inventive features forming the scope of protection.
Sensor comprising BaTi1-xZrxO3 sensing layer
A sensor comprising a substrate with at least one sensing layer coated on at least one surface, wherein the sensing layer comprises BaTi1-xZrxO3 with 0<x<1, enabling absorption and detection of toxic chemicals.
Electrode configuration and circuit integration
The sensor includes a pair of electrodes coupled to the sensing layer and a power source creating a circuit through the sensing layer to measure electrical properties indicative of toxic chemical presence.
Use of diverse substrates for sensing layer
The substrate can be selected from textile materials, crystalline or amorphous structural supports, polymers, dielectrics, paper, films, fabrics, or foams, providing versatility in sensor construction and deployment.
Method for detecting toxic chemicals by impedance measurement
A method involving contacting the sensor with a sample suspected of containing a toxic chemical and measuring a change in impedance in the sensor's circuit to indicate presence of the toxic chemical, where an increase of at least one-fold in impedance indicates presence.
Applicability to various toxic chemicals
The toxic chemical detectable includes chemical warfare agents, industrial chemicals, or narcotics, broadening the sensor's utility across multiple hazardous substances.
These inventive features collectively define a sensor system based on perovskite BaTi1-xZrxO3 dielectric materials integrated with electrodes for electrical detection via impedance changes, adaptable to various substrates, and applicable to a broad range of toxic chemicals including CWAs, industrial chemicals, and narcotics.
Stated Advantages
BaZrO3, BaTiO3, and BaTi1-xZrxO3 are environmentally friendly and non-toxic ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials suitable for interaction with CWAs or their simulants.
These dielectric materials exhibit measurable changes in properties upon exposure to toxic chemicals, enabling their use as sensitive and selective sensors.
The materials enable multifunctional applications including detection, sensing, filtering, reacting, absorbing toxic chemicals, and potential use in decontaminant wipes and sprayable slurries.
The sensor can be integrated into devices including drones to provide field detection capabilities for different CWAs.
The dielectric materials are semi-conductors and photoactive, allowing potential applications in photocatalysis and charge carrier transport related to chemical warfare agent neutralization.
Documented Applications
Detecting, sensing, filtering, reacting, or absorbing toxic chemicals including chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals, and narcotics.
Use as sensors employing changes in electrical impedance or spectral properties to identify presence and type of toxic chemicals.
Application as decontaminant wipes or sprayable slurries for chemical neutralization or removal.
Integration with substrates such as textiles, polymers, foams, or interdigitated electrodes for sensor device fabrication.
Coupling with field-deployable platforms such as drones for remote sensing of toxic chemicals in the field.
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