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UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences

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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