Strathclyde: Hydrogen peroxide detection methods

Licensing opportunity

In recent years ‘kitchen-sink’ type explosives using commonly available ingredients have gained popularity among terrorist groups. These explosives are usually based on hydrogen peroxide, which is commonly available. There is currently a concern that such peroxide based explosives could be generated at the site of a planned explosion.

In terms of security, the rapid and simple detection of hydrogen peroxide is important in assessing the nature of unknown liquids, which may be potential explosive precursors. A team in the Chemistry Department at Strathclyde University, Scotland, has identified several triarylmethane dyes and other colour-changing systems that exhibit hyper-sensitivity towards hydrogen peroxide.

The university invites approaches from organisations interested in developing, licensing or exploiting this technology.

There are a number of previously unidentified reagents that give a clear colour change (typically coloured to colourless, or colourless to coloured) when exposed to even low levels of hydrogen peroxide. These indicating systems can be incorporated in a film or label or printed from an ink.

The technology offers several benefits, including the ability to detect hydrogen peroxide, simply, and quickly. It is also easy to use because detection of hydrogen peroxide occurs from the fumes of the liquid, meaning there is no requirement for immersion in water. No instrumentation is required, the colour changes are clear and sharp and easily distinguished.