Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) show much potential as a Lewis acid catalyst for the destruction of nerve agents in the field of chemical warfare. Previously, this often required a separate aqeuous base in order to achieve results that demonstrated practical use. Recent success has been achieved in incorporating imidazole bases into a MOF-808 framework that enhances the catalytic degradation of organophosphate nerve agents to a half-life of &lt;30s. This project detailed the effects of encapsulating azole derivatives, namely imidazole and triazoles, into zirconium-based MOF structures. For comparison, covalently bound amino groups such as UiO-67-NH2 were analyzed as well. Specifically, microporous and mesoporous frameworks with a pore size of 10-30 angstroms were studied. This includes UiO-67, UiO-67.5, UiO-68, and MOF-808. Detailed structural analysis and kinetic data of the hydrolysis of nerve agent mimic confirm these composite MOF structures and their utility. These MOF complexes are then integrated into usable fabrics to further understand non-covalently bound compounds effects on MOF performance. The discovery of new MOF composites that do not require constant replenishment of base to carry out catalyzed hydrolysis of organophosphate nerve agents provides a novel approach to combatting chemical warfare.

Enhancement of metal-organic frameworks for degradation of nerve agents

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