Wireless Hazard Badges to Detect Nerve-Agent Simulants

Human exposure to hazardous chemicals can have adverse short‐ and long‐term health effects. In this Communication, we have developed a single‐use wearable hazard badge that dosimetrically detects diethylchlorophosphate (DCP), a model organophosphorous cholinesterase inhibitor simulant. Improved chemically actuated resonant devices (CARDs) are fabricated in a single step and unambiguously relate changes in chemiresistance to a wireless readout. To provide selective and readily manufacturable sensor elements for this platform, we developed an ionic‐liquid‐mediated single walled carbon nanotube based chemidosimetric scheme with DCP limits of detection of 28 ppb. As a practical demonstration, an 8 h workday time weighted average equivalent exposure of 10 ppb DCP effects an irreversible change in smartphone readout. Invisible dangers: A single‐use, wirelessly addressable, highly sensitive, and selective chemical hazard badge that dosimetrically detects diethyl chlorophosphate, a nerve agent simulant, down to 28 ppb has been developed. The device comprises a wireless sensor platform and a chemidosimeter system incorporating single walled carbon nanotubes and ionic liquids. Exposure to 10 ppb DCP effects an irreversible switch in smartphone readout.