LAUSR

Abstract While the direct analysis in real time ionization coupled with mass spectrometry (DART-MS) is viable for the screening of trace explosives, a comprehensive evaluation is needed before its implementation in practice. This work has investigated the effectiveness and limitations of different DART-MS modules for the high-throughput and sensitive detection of nineteen organic explosive residues in four different categories deposited on several substrates. The Quickstrip method was used to optimize DART gas heater temperature as well as dopants. Four sample introducing strategies for DART-MS including transmission, thermal desorption, closed mesh, and direct-insert methods were implemented to analyze liquid and dried samples deposited on different substrates (e.g., fabric, leather, metal, plastic, and synthetic skin). It was found that representative explosives from each category could be detected with nanogram sensitivity and in less than 10 s. Therefore, DART-MS could provide prompt analysis of explosives for forensic applications.