Ishay Columbus

Efficient heterogeneous and environmentally friendly degradation of nerve agents on a tungsten-based POM.

Common (chemical warfare agent) CWA decontaminants exhibit harsh and corrosive characteristics, and are harmful to the environment. In the course of our quest for active sorbents as efficient decontaminants, Keggin-type polyoxometalate (POM) (NH(4))(3)PW(12)O(40) was tested for oxidative degradation of CWAs. Although oxidation did not take place, sarin (GB) and VX were smoothly decontaminated to non-toxic products within 1 and 10 days, respectively. Degradation was carried out directly on the powder, eliminating the need for solvents. Mustard gas (HD), whose degradation is highly dependent on oxidation, was not decontaminated by this POM. Solid state MAS NMR ((31)P and (13)C) was utilized both for POM characterization and for decontamination studies monitoring.

Degradation of Sulfur Mustard (HD) on KF/Al2O3: The role of Organic Solvents and Active Species

Solvent effects on the ability of KF/Al2O3 supports to degrade the warfare agent sulfur mustard (HD) were explored. RP-KF/Al2O3 possessing hydroxide ions and ECUF/KF/Al2O3 holding fluoride ions were examined. Reactions on RP-KF/Al2O3 containing 10 wt % of organic solvents were faster than those on ECUF/KF/Al2O3. Additionally, RP-KF/Al2O3 led to elimination products, while ECUF/KF/Al2O3 mainly led to substitution derivatives. Enlarging the solvent amounts to 90 wt % resulted in decreased reaction rates. The significance of solvent identity/amount and active species is discussed.