Raman spectroscopy of 2,4-DNT and its interaction with sand particles

In this research, samples of 2,4-DNT were allowed to interact with sand samples. Characteristic vibrational signals of 2,4-DNT were analyzed in the ranges: 300--1200 cm 1200--1700 cm-1, and 2800--3500 cm-1. These variables were measured for 45 days. Raman Microscopy equipped with 514.5 nm laser excitation line was used. Sand samples doped with the nitroaromatic compound showed significant shifts in their Raman bands suggesting an interaction with the substrate. Samples of sand/2,4-DNT were analyzed acquiring Raman spectra at 9, 33 and 50% w/w of water and in the temperature range of 40--80°C. Effect of pH on the mixtures was also studied in the range of 1--13. The mixtures were irradiated with ultraviolet light (254 nm) and Raman spectra were taken as a function of time.; High pH values and prolonged exposure to UV light of mixtures, alone and when mixtures were dosed with H2O2 showed extensive degradation as evidenced from the decrease of the intensities of the Raman signatures of the explosive. Exposure to heat at relatively high temperatures also resulted in partial degradation of DNT of the sand surface.