Explosives Detection Using Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) Mass Spectrometry

TLDR

The increasing use of explosives by terrorists and criminals demands rapid, on‑site detection, and DART offers a promising, minimal‑preparation surface analysis technique applicable to common everyday surfaces. The study evaluates DART ionization for detecting explosives on solid substrates and in liquid matrices, including rapid trace contamination detection in common fluids. The authors tested 15 commonly used explosives on five representative surfaces varying in composition, porosity, morphology, and conductivity, and also examined rapid trace detection in common fluids. All 75 compound‑surface combinations yielded clear, identifiable mass spectra, and simultaneous detection of five explosives on the same surfaces was successfully demonstrated.

Abstract

Abstract The growing use of explosives by terrorists and criminals creates a need for instrumentation which can rapidly analyze these energetic compounds, preferably on site. Direct analysis in real time (DART) is a promising technology for surface analysis with little or no sample preparation. Therefore, DART ionization is evaluated for use in detecting explosives on solid substrates and in liquid matrices. Fifteen explosives were chosen as a consequence of their common usage. Five surfaces were chosen to represent a wide range of physical properties such as composition, porosity, surface morphology, and thermal and electrical conductivity. Additionally these surfaces are commonly found in everyday surroundings. All 75 compound‐surface combinations produced a clear, easily identifiable, mass spectra characteristic of the targeted analyte. Simultaneous detection of five explosives is demonstrated on these same surfaces. Lastly, rapid detection of trace contamination in common fluids is also explored.