Northwestern University scientists have successfully combined a nanomaterial effective at destroying toxic nerve agents with textile fibers. This new composite material one day could be integrated into protective suits and face masks for use by people facing hazardous conditions, such as chemical warfare.
The material, a zirconium-based metal-organic framework (MOF), degrades in minutes some of the most toxic chemical agents known to mankind: VX and soman (GD), a more toxic relative of sarin.
"With the correct chemistry, we can render toxic gases nontoxic," said Omar K. Farha, associate professor of chemistry in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, who led the research. "The action takes place at the nanolevel."
The new composite material integrates MOFs and non-volatile polymeric bases onto textile fibers. This material can withstand harsh conditions such as atmospheric carbon dioxide, sweat and pollutants for a long time.
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