F1-B Nanomaterials for Enhanced Detection of Explosives and Mitigation of Explosive Events

View 2010 Progress Report

Abstract: This research is focused on the synthesis of nanomaterials which can be either incorporated in or used as high explosives. Alternative applications depending on the materials composition include incorporation in composites to either increase the resistance to blast or for enhanced detection post blast. The focus of year one has been to synthesize high surface area, low density, high Z number nanomaterials which have enhanced x-ray absorption for traditional detection. In addition by using semiconductor nanoparticles we are able to integrate novel and tunable optical properties into a energetic composite materials. To this end composite aerogel materials which are primarily composed of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles coated with gold have been successfully prepared, these aerogels are unique in that they are the first to incorporate the novel surface plasmon properties of the gold particles with the quantum confined optical effects of the cadmium sulfide nanoparticles.

Faculty and Staff Currently Involved in Project:

Louisa Hope-Weeks
Associate Professor
Texas Tech University

Brandon Weeks
Associate Professor
Texas Tech University

Students Currently Involved in Project:

Simerjeet Gill, PhD
Texas Tech University

Preston Brown, PhD
Texas Tech University