A field test for the detection of peroxide-based explosives

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Abstract
A rapid and simple field test for the detection of triacetonetriperoxide (TATP) and hexamethylenetriperoxidediamine (HMTD), two explosives which find significant illegal use, has been developed. Unknown samples are first treated with a catalase solution to remove hydrogen peroxide traces, in order to provide selectivity towards peroxide-based bleaching agents which are contained in commercial laundry detergents. Subsequently, the peroxide-based explosives are decomposed via UV irradiation, thus yielding hydrogen peroxide, which is determined by the horseradish peroxidase (POD) catalysed formation of the green radical cation of 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonate (ABTS). The limits of detection for this method are 8 × 10−6 mol dm−3 for TATP and 8 × 10−7 mol dm−3 for HMTD, respectively. As an option, p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (pHPAA) may be used as peroxidase substrate, resulting in lower limits of detection (8 × 10−7 mol dm−3 for TATP and HMTD). The complete method uses a mobile setup to be applied under field conditions.

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