Dr Alex Samuel Loch - University of Glasgow

The evolution of chemical threats – whether they are an explosive, narcotic, or nerve agent – demands the development of new technologies for their identification. While chemicals are a ubiquitous part of modern life for medicines, fertilisers, and cosmetics, there are ongoing challenges in safely collecting, analysing, and identifying unknown samples, which could have more sinister consequences. First responders, governmental agencies, defence, and security personnel need reliable onsite information to respond to hidden or airborne chemical threats. Detecting concealed or masked threats is complex and poses significant risks to operators, who must balance these dangers with the need to collect sufficient samples for accurate identification. Ideally, hazardous chemicals are sampled indirectly through their atmospheric vapours, reducing the risks associated with physical contact. Although many detection devices can capture and analyse hazardous vapours, their development for in-field applications has stagnated. Limited by their size, complexity, power-consumption, sensitivity, or restricted working conditions, these systems are unable to assess low-volatility chemicals or need to be installed in semifixed locations. Devices that can capture, concentrate, and release vapours on-demand, while being portable and simple enough for use outside of a specialised laboratory setting, are yet to be fully realised. This project will significantly enhance the capabilities of current detection systems by developing a new class of preconcentrator ‘sponge’. These devices will act as an intermediary tool, allowing operators greater portability while decreasing the limit of detection for existing equipment. This system will protect operators by allowing them to capture, retain, and later release unknown chemical vapours under controlled conditions. The utilisation of a supramolecular, self-assembled ‘sponge’ scaffold is central to this research, enabling control and improvement over the chemical vapour collection and ‘wringing-out’ release processes. This research will pioneer these unique devices, leading to more accessible, reliable, and safer threat identification, thereby overcoming the current challenges associated with detecting low-volatility chemicals.