3D-printed flexible device combining sampling and detection of explosives

Fused deposition modelling 3D printing of a flexible, conductive, disposable and biodegradable platform using graphene-doped polylactic acid (G-PLA) was demonstrated as an integrated device for sampling and detection of explosives. As a proof-of-concept, traces of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) impregnated on different surfaces were abrasively sampled using the 3D-printed device and readily assembled in a portable electrochemical cell for rapid square-wave voltammetry scans in the presence of 0.1 mol L-1 HCl electrolyte. Nanogram amounts of TNT sampled from metallic, granite and glove surfaces were detected and quantified using the Faraday equation applied to the voltammetric response of TNT immobilised on the electrode surface. Identification of TNT was possible due to the unique voltammetric behaviour obtained on the G-PLA sensor and efficient sampling due to the rough surface and flexibility of the device. Lead and copper determination by stripping voltammetry was also demonstrated on the same device, highlighting the possibility of detecting gunshot residues. Moreover, we demonstrated that simple mechanical polishing of the 3D-printed surface improved the electrochemical sensing properties of the sensor by exposing graphene nanoribbons within the PLA matrix. Hence, this 3D-printed integrated platform holds promise as a rapid and low-cost approach for on-site crime scene investigations.