PNNL

Abstract

A number of critical field applications require monitoring air samples for trace levels of chemical warfare agents. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a convenient format to conduct these analyses. Measurements could be significantly improved if a SPME phase selective for nerve agents were substituted for nonselective polymers typically used (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane). This paper evaluates a novel stationary phase, previously developed for methylphosphonate sensor applications, for use with SPME sampling. The phenol-based polymer, BSP3, was found to offer far higher selectivity toward sarin (GB) than polydimethylsiloxane due to a pronounced affinity toward the target analyte and a lower affinity toward hydrocarbons.