Innovative Sensors By AUS Researchers Detect Toxic Compounds Efficiently

A research team at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) has developed two luminescent sensors capable of detecting minute quantities of toxic phosphorus compounds, such as pesticides and Chemical Warfare Agents (CWA). This advancement improves upon existing technology in the market.

The new sensors have multiple applications, including military and defence for CWA detection, environmental monitoring for pesticide contamination, industrial settings to monitor toxic chemicals, emergency response to chemical spills, public safety, and research and development. The AUS Technology Transfer Office has filed for a provisional patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

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Funded by an AUS Faculty Research Grant, Dr. Imad Abu-Yousef and Dr. Sofian Kanan from the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science are developing a sensor prototype. "These sensors are sensitive and selective, detecting even tiny amounts of these compounds," said Dr. Kanan, the project lead.

Sensor Capabilities

The luminescent sensors change colour within 30 seconds upon contact with toxic compounds, enabling real-time detection. This interaction can also help neutralise some toxic effects, making the sensors useful for both detection and protection purposes.

Operational Advantages

Unlike other sensors that rely on semiconducting metal oxides like tin or zinc, these luminescent sensors operate at room temperature. They do not require high-temperature conditions or vacuum systems. They are highly sensitive to sarin simulants even in the presence of water and other interfering substances.

Manufacturing and Stability

The sensors are stable and easy to manufacture in large quantities. These features make them a more efficient method for detecting CWAs. "This research spanned over 10 months in our facilities," said Dr. Kanan. "We planned synthesis strategies, characterised the synthesised sensors, and tested them with a CWA simulant to optimise sensitivity and selectivity."

Research Duration and Synthesis

The research included planning synthesis strategies, characterising the synthesised sensors, and real testing with a CWA simulant. Following optimisation of all conditions and synthetic protocols, the materials can now be prepared within one week in AUS laboratories.

With inputs from WAM