| AVS 61st International Symposium & Exhibition | |
| Applied Surface Science | Thursday Sessions |
| Session AS-ThP |
| Session: | Applied Surface Science Poster Session |
| Presenter: | Wesley Gordon, U. S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center |
| Authors: | W.O. Gordon, U. S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center E.M. Durke, Excet, Inc. A.R. Wilmsmeyer, Augustana College J.R. Morris, Virginia Tech |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
A fundamental understanding of the surface chemistry of chemical warfare agents is needed to fully understand the interaction of these toxic molecules with militarily relevant materials. Knowledge of the surface chemistry of agents can be applied to the creation of next generation decontaminants, reactive coatings, and protective materials for the warfighter. Here, we describe a multi-functional ultra-high vacuum instrument for conducting comprehensive studies of the adsorption, desorption, and surface chemistry of chemical warfare agents on model and militarily relevant surfaces. The system applies reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry to study adsorption and surface reactions of chemical warfare agents. Several novel components have been developed to address the unique safety and dosing issues that accompany the research of these toxic, often very low vapor pressure, compounds. Equipment and methods applied in order to safely work with chemical warfare agents will be detailed.