Ashwin-Ushas Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: A10-113

Description

A new, very inexpensive, lightweight (25 mg/cm^2), low power (micro-W/cm^2), electrochemical voltammetric sensor technology for CW agents, based on unique conducting polymer microporous membranes and ionic liquid electrolytes with very wide operating temperature, is offered. Voltammetric sensing allows for high selectivity (much like a fingerprint), sensitivity. Modular construction- small, throwaway sensor patch connected to Li-battery powered, microprocessor-based Controller and display unit, or Android-phone-based Controller app- is used. Phase I work demonstrated DIMP detection limits of 0.006 ppm (< AEGL-2 value for GB), detection times < 5 s (< 0.5 s possible), facile distinction and quantitation of multiple analytes (DMMP, DIMP, Cl-Eth, Malathion, isopropanol, others), wide operating temperature (-51 to +68 C), resistance to simulated rain, microprocessor-based Controller for interrogation/data processing. Phase II work will further optimize sensing (detection limits to AEGL-1, detection time < 0.5 s, peak resolution < 50 mV), optimize sensor packaging and attachment, further develop both microprocessor-based and Android-phone-Controller, complete environmental durability tests, test with actual CW agents at Battelle Labs, demonstrate commercial (pesticide, toxic gas) uses, field test, and address manufacture issues. Several textile companies are partnered for commercialization. This firms ongoing work in CW agent-blocking uniforms for DTRA may assist in commercialization, interfacing with JSLIST uniforms.