System and method for chemical and/or biological detection
Inventors
Chien, Poliang • Jain, Dheeraj • Lowery, Kelley • Hur, Ryan
Assignees
Publication Number
US-9804109-B2
Publication Date
2017-10-31
Expiration Date
2032-05-10
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Abstract
A method and system for detecting the presence of chemical and/or biological agents are disclosed. An additive, which may comprise a reactant and/or a catalyst selected for its capacity to react with, or to force a reaction involving a target chemical and/or biological agent, may be introduced into a sample of an ambient environment to be monitored. The additive may then react with the target agent, or, as a catalyst, may drive a reaction with the target agent, resulting in a reaction product that may be detected by one or more sensors or sensor arrays. The method and system may incorporate a plurality of sensor types in order to enhance the specificity of the method and system.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a novel system and method for detecting chemical and/or biological agents by introducing an additive into a sample of an ambient environment. The additive, which may be a reactant, selective absorber, and/or catalyst, is selected for its capacity to react with or to force a reaction involving a target chemical and/or biological agent. This reaction produces a reaction product that can be detected by one or more sensors or sensor arrays.
The problem being solved relates to the limitations of conventional detection methods, particularly those utilizing carbon nanotube (CNT) sensor technology. While CNT sensors are capable of detecting small concentrations of gases by changes in electrical properties, they have limited sensitivity to certain agents and limited specificity, leading to false alerts. The invention addresses these limitations by enhancing sensitivity through additive-induced reactions and improving specificity through the use of multi-type sensor arrays, thereby reducing false alerts.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two independent claims covering systems for detecting chemical and/or biological agents with additive-enhanced detection, each detailing sensor arrays, flow paths, additives, and instrumentation.
System with dual flow paths and sensor arrays incorporating specific sensor types
A system comprising first and second flow paths each in communication with ambient air, first and second sensor arrays connected to respective flow paths, each sensor array comprising amide-functionalized carbon nanotubes and octadecylamine-functionalized carbon nanotubes, a first additive reservoir containing a reactant, selective absorber, or catalyst connected upstream of the first sensor array, and an instrumentation package that simultaneously measures sensor readings to monitor for divergences between corresponding sensor types.
Inclusion of additional sensor type and pump for ambient air movement
The first and second sensor arrays may further include a third sensor type comprising polyaminobenzene sulfonic acid functionalized carbon nanotubes. The system may also include a pump connected to the flow paths to move ambient air through them.
Instrumentation package with microprocessor and output communication
The instrumentation package may include a microprocessor, machine-readable memory, and an output communication system for data measurement, recording and analysis.
Selection of specific additives and target chemical detection capabilities
The first additive can be selected from triethylenediamine (TEDA), diethylenediamine, porphyrin, tris(ethylenediamine)nickel (II) chloride, hydrogen peroxide, water/water vapor, and ozone. The instrumentation package is configured to detect agents including hydrogen cyanide (AC), cyanogen chloride (CK), chloride gas (Cl2), ammonia gas (NH3), and arsine (AsH3).
Measurement of electrical resistance across sensor types
The instrumentation package measures electrical resistance for each of the first and second sensor types in the sensor arrays.
Sensor array composition and additive reservoir configurations
The sensor arrays contain plural sensors measuring the same agents with sensor types including amide-functionalized and octadecylamine-functionalized carbon nanotubes. The system may include multiple additive reservoirs with additives selected from reactants, selective absorbers, and catalysts, connected to the flow paths.
The claimed invention covers systems with dual flow paths each containing sensor arrays of specific carbon nanotube-based sensor types and additive reservoirs delivering chemical agents to enhance detection sensitivity and specificity, combined with instrumentation packages capable of simultaneous measurement and analysis to discern target chemical and/or biological agents.
Stated Advantages
Enables detection of chemical and/or biological agents or concentrations not otherwise practically detectable by particular sensor types.
Enhances specificity of detection systems to distinguish among agents and reduce false alerts.
Provides operation in a simple, compact, and relatively inexpensive apparatus functional at ambient temperatures with rapid and reproducible response times.
Dampens moisture content fluctuations in environmental samples to enable chemical reactions or to correlate detection output to predetermined response data.
Documented Applications
Detection of explosives and toxic chemicals in law enforcement and anti-terrorist efforts.
Environmental and agricultural contamination monitoring.
Medical diagnosis.
Detection of chemical warfare agents, including agents such as cyanogen chloride and hydrogen cyanide.
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