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Electrochemical detection of toxic chemicals for the development of new generation sensors
Abstract
Rapid and sensitive detection of chemical warfare agent (CWA) is of great interest especially after the society again witnessed the dehumanizing and horrifying effect of the CWA. Among a variety of conventional detection methodologies (IMS, SAW, FT-IR, GC-MS etc),  that have been developed for CWA, electrochemical sensors offer the unrivaled merits of high sensitivity, miniaturization, specificity, low power consumption and operational simplicity. The objective of this investigation was towards the development of new generation sensors through newer approaches for the detection of toxicants-blister agents by modifying the electrode surface or using a greener and eco-friendly sensing medium like room temperature ionic liquid in order to achieve electrochemical activity towards blister agents as the blister agents are not electroactive. To meet this requirement, a study was undertaken to develop an electrochemical detection technique for CWA based on in-situ electrogenerated metal electrocatalyst, use of conducting polymer and utilization of RTILs as alternative greener medium for the sensing of CWA without modifying electrode surface due to the extended potential window and other unique properties of RTILs. With continued innovations in nanotechnology, functional materials and attention to limitation of this technology, in coming years it is expected that electrochemical sensors will play a crucial role in the CWA detection scenario.
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References
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