Explosive residues

Explosives

Explosive attack is the main tool of modern day terrorism, and thus is a key area of research in the forensic and chemical sciences for detection of clandestine bomb factories and public space monitoring. Detection of small amounts of explosive is also important for environmental monitoring around areas where explosives are used routinely, such as ranges. Our work covers trace explosive detection in the vapour phase, and in surface and wastewater.

Current research

Post-blast scene examination of explosive residues.
Pre-emptive detection of hidden or discarded trace explosive material.
Developing highly selective and sensitive chemical sensors (electrochemical and fluorimetric), as well as powerful analytical techniques such as UHPLC-MS and electron microscopy.
Assessing passive environmental monitoring techniques for sample collection in the field.

Research projects

Establishing detection methods for precursor chemicals in the wastewater system.
The application of nanomaterials in molecular recognition and chemical sensing devices.
Detection of vapour phase precursors relevant to IEDs using carbon-based nanomaterials as gas sensors for explosive precursor detection.
The use of synthesised metal-organic frameworks for the establishment of a sensory array for a portable explosive detection platform.

Researchers

Nadia Abdul-Karim

Gwyn Evans

Sally Gamble

Monika Jurcic

Will Peveler

Dr Ruth Morgan

Dr Luiza Campos

Professor Tony Kenyon

Professor Ivan Parkin

Professor Neal Skipper