University of California-San Diego researchers said their penny-sized sensor can detect trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide vapor in the parts-per-billion range. They said hydrogen peroxide is a chemical used in the most common form of homemade explosives.

In addition to detecting explosives, scientists say their sensor could have widespread applications in improving the health of industrial workers by providing a tool to inexpensively monitor the toxic hydrogen peroxide vapors from bleached pulp and other factory products.

"The detection capability of this tiny electronic sensor is comparable to current instruments, which are large, bulky and cost thousands of dollars each," said Professor William Trogler. "If this device were mass produced, it's not inconceivable that it could be made for less than a dollar."

The research that included Professors Andrew Kummel and Ivan Schuller and graduate students Forest Bohrer, Corneliu Colesniuc and Jeongwon Park is detailed in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.