Multi-substrate passive colorimetric sensors for detecting toxic industrial chemicals and chemical warfare agents

Abstract

Disclosed are systems and methods for the robust passive detection of airborne toxins using a colorimetric sensor coating onto a optically transparent substrate. In certain embodiments, the substrate is affixed to an adhesive material (tape). In certain embodiments, the sensor and substrate are transparent. In various embodiments, multiple sensors are coated onto selected substrate for the simultaneous detection of multiple toxins. In various embodiments, the sensed or detected toxins include a number of chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. In various implementations, the tape is affixed to a remote surface, which may be visually monitored by a camera directly by focusing the camera on the tape or may be affixed to a camera lens by an adhesive backing, such that colorimetric sensor changes may be observed through the lens itself. Sensor claddings consist of optical grade polymers immobilized with colorimetric and/or fluorescent indicators that undergo optical changes upon exposure to their target analyte. Typical substrate cross-linked polymers are urethane acrylate polymer based, co-polymerized with silicone backbone such as dimethyl siloxane, which in general is chemically inert, yet leaves the polymer with the large free-volume necessary for rapid target diffusion. The polymer is cured after immobilization with target indicator mixture, and simultaneously cross-linked by UV light or heat.