Method and apparatus for selective capture of gas phase analytes using metal beta-diketonate polymers
AssigneeBattelle Memorial Institute
InventorScott D. Harvey
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Abstract
A process and sensor device are disclosed that employ metal β-diketonate polymers to selectively capture gas-phase explosives and weaponized chemical agents in a sampling area or volume. The metal β-diketonate polymers can be applied to surfaces in various analytical formats for detection of: improvised explosive devices, unexploded ordinance, munitions hidden in cargo holds, explosives, and chemical weapons in public areas.
Claims20
A method for selective capture of a gas-phase explosive or weaponized chemical agent, comprising the steps of:
- forming a gas-sampling structure of a preselected form that includes a metal β-diketonate polymer operatively disposed on a preselected surface that provides a preselected selectivity for said gas-phase explosive or weaponized chemical agent;
- introducing said gas-sampling structure into a sampling volume;
- and
- selectively binding said gas-phase explosive or weaponized chemical agent in said sampling volume on said polymer of said gas-sampling structure based on said preselected selectivity.
A sensor for detection of a gas-phase explosive or a weaponized chemical agent, comprising:
- a metal β-diketonate polymer operatively disposed to selectively capture said gas-phase chemical agent or weaponized chemical agent;
- said polymer includes a preselected metal center and at least one coordinating ligand that provide a preselected Lewis acidity and affinity for said gas-phase explosive or said weaponized chemical agent.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.