Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/S98771/01
Title:	Detection of Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs) for Anti-Terrorist and Forensic Applications
Principal Investigator:	Aldridge, Professor S
Other Investigators:	Fallis, Dr I
Researcher Co-Investigators:	Mr C Bresner
Project Partners:	Piezoptic Ltd
Department:	Chemistry
Organisation:	Cardiff University
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 November 2004	Ends:	30 April 2008	Value (£):	304,666
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Analytical Science Chemical Synthetic Methodology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Aerospace, Defence and Marine
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
This proposal describes the fundamental chemistry research underpinning the construction of devices capable of identifying and quantifying chemical warfare agents [G and V (nerve) agents, blister agents (mustards, Lewisites), chemical asphyxiants (hydrogen cyanide), pulmonary irritants (phosgene)]. The final goals of the research are to produce (i) monitors and alarms for the public domain, (ii) forensic kits for scene of crime identification of chemical weapons and (iii) personal meters to quantify exposure to chemical weapons.This will impact on the detection/prevention of crime in the areas of anti-terrorism, forensics and protection of crime-fighting personnel, respectively. The functional basis of these devices is the colour change induced in a sensor molecule on exposure to a chemical warfare agent. Thus the scientific challenge is to design and synthesize chemical systems which undergo agent-specific colour changes. Such sensor systems when coupled with the exisiting piezoelectric technology owned by PiezOptic Ltd allow the identification and quantitative analysis of chemical weapons exposure. The wide and varied nature of chemical weapons and their differing reactivities requires a multi-faceted approach to sensor design. Our general methodology involves a two step process - selective hydrolysis of the agent (where necessary), with subsequent recognition of the hydrolysis products. This allows for selectivity at either step, with the colour change developing in the final host/guest or coordination complex. Thus, for example, G and V (nerve) agents can be identified by the use of a hydrolysis catalyst coupled with a fluoride sensor (Sarin, GD, GF), cyanide detector (Tabun) or aminothiolate complexation (VX, V gas).
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Organisation Website:	http://www.cf.ac.uk