Highly Mesoporous Zr‐Based MOF‐Fabric Composites: A Benign Approach for Expeditious Degradation of Chemical Warfare Agents and Simulants

Abstract

Recent research has demonstrated the degradation of organophosphonates through hydrolysis using microporous UiO–66–NH ₂‐fabric composites. Yet, challenges remain due to the limitations of organophosphonates accessing active sites in large, engineered granules. To address this, an innovative approach to integrate mesoporous UiO–66–NH ₂ onto various fabrics is provided, thereby overcoming previous mass transfer limitations. Mesoporosity in the UiO–66–NH ₂‐fabric is attributed to the amphoteric cocamidopropylbetaine (CAPB) surfactant which templates the mesochannel construction. Unexpectedly, because the synthesis is aqueous, benign, low temperature (60°C), and avoids strong acids and toxic solvents, it is compatible with fragile supports such as untreated cotton. The UiO–66–NH ₂‐fabric composite formed using treated polypropylene (PP) attains a BET specific surface area of 360 m ² g ⁻¹ _comp. Remarkably, the mesoporous UiO–66–NH ₂‐composites exhibit a pore volume as large as 0.2 cm ³ g ⁻¹ _comp, 33% in the mesoporous range, which is higher than other previous reports. Practically, the mesoporous UiO–66–NH ₂‐treated PP composite enhances the rate of methyl paraoxon (DMNP) degradation, showing a t _1/2 value that is 15 times faster than microporous UiO–66–NH ₂ composites measured under the same conditions. Similar trends are observed in the degradation of actual nerve agents. These composites hold significant potential across diverse applications, including filtration, protection, and catalysis.

Abstract

This research unveils a breakthrough in organophosphonate degradation using environmentally friendly mesoporous UiO–66–NH ₂‐fabric composites. This innovative approach, facilitated by CAPB surfactant, overcomes mass transfer limitations, creating robust, highly porous materials compatible with fragile fabrics. The resulting composites dramatically accelerate toxic chemical degradation, offering exciting potential in filtration, protection, and catalysis. Discover how this green technology is transforming material science.