JMSSJ On-line

JMSSJ On-line, Vol. 48 (2000) No. 5, pp. 360-362

Vapor Detection of TNT and RDX Using Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry with Counter-Flow Introduction (CFI)		>> Full Text PDF >> References
*Kyoko KOJIMA,^a) Minoru SAKAIRI,^a) Yasuaki TAKADA,^a) and Jun NAKAMURA^b)** ^a) Central Research Laboratory, Hitachi Ltd. (1-280 Higashikoigakubo, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8601, Japan)* ^b) National Research Institute of Police Science (6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan)

To enable vapor detection of TNT and RDX, we have combined atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) mass spectrometry with counter-flow introduction (CFI) of sample vapors. The chemical ionization source, which enables high ionization efficiency and highly selective ionization, was attached to a quadrupole mass spectrometer. Using this modified mass spectrometer, we obtained negative mass spectra and detection chromatograms of trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (RDX) vapors at room temperature. The explosives detection could be done within 5 s. Our test results from this prototype system demonstrate that this technique is suitable for practical on-line explosives detection.

Key words: Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization, Corona discharge, Nitro compounds, TNT, RDX