Nanostructured TiO₂/MCM-41-Functionalized PDMS as a Reactive Protective Barrier against Chemical Warfare Agents via Adsorption and Catalyzed Degradation

Low permeability and self-decontamination are extremely desired features for protective equipment against chemical warfare agents (CWAs). ∼4 nm TiO₂nanoparticles were synthesized in the porous matrix of MCM-41 (45 wt%) as a novel reactive adsorbent for the degradation of sarin and VX. TiO₂/MCM-41 (∼520 m²/g) was embedded in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sheet. PDMS was chosen as a model for an air-impermeable barrier with high permeability to CWAs. The incorporation of the reactive adsorbent decreased the diffusion coefficients, increased the breakthrough time, and dramatically decreased the desorption of sarin and VX vapors. The adsorbed CWAs in the hybrid matrix decompose (≥99%) to the nontoxic corresponding acids after 1 and 3 days for VX and sarin, respectively. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the potential of TiO₂/MCM-41 as a reactive adsorbent embedded in polymeric matrices to improve the protection level and safety of protective equipment via combined adsorption and self-decontamination.