Detection and Analysis of Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) in Environmental Samples by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Abstract

Techniques for rapid and sensitive detection of energetics such as cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) are needed both for environmental and security screening applications. Here we report the use of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)spectroscopy to detect traces of RDX with good sensitivity and reproducibility. Using gold (Au) nanoparticles as SERS substrates, RDX was detectable at concentrations as low as 0.15mg/l in a contaminated groundwater sample. This detection limit is about two orders of magnitude lower than those reported previously using SERS techniques. A surface enhancement factor was obtained. This research further demonstrates the potential for using SERS as a rapid, in situ field screening tool for energetics detection when coupled with a portable Raman spectrometer.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA532143

Entities

People

  • Baohua Gu
  • Gyula Eres
  • Nahla A. Hatab
  • Paul B. Hatzinger

Organizations

  • Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter IED

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemistry
  • Detection
  • Ecology
  • Explosives
  • Liquid Chromatography
  • Materials
  • Materials Science
  • Measurement
  • Metallic Nanoparticles
  • Nanoparticles
  • Raman Scattering
  • Raman Spectroscopy
  • Reproducibility
  • Scattering
  • Security
  • Spectra
  • Spectroscopy

Readers

  • Agricultural Chemistry/Soil Science
  • Nanoscale Plasmonic Nanotechnology

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biotechnology - Bioremediation