Agent-responsive Catalytically Decontaminating Polyoxometalate-based Polymers
Abstract
The Hill research group at Emory University recently developed a new type of polymer (denoted gelating catalytic polymers or “GCPs”) comprising hexavanadate (V6O13) units bonded via trimester linkages to organic units with multiple hydrogen bonding sites. These GCPs exhibit a unique ensemble of capabilities: most importantly, they respond dramatically on exposure to nerve agent simulants by forming a robust gel barrier to further nerve agent penetration, hence their potentially unique value as a component in protective apparel. The GCPs also catalyze hydrolytic and oxidative decontamination of the gel-entrapped chemical warfare agents (CWAs). The fundamental properties of the GCPs and their components will be studied and optimized by spectroscopic, structural, kinetic and other methods by 2 Ph.D. students in the PI’s laboratory. The GCP barrier response will be studied and optimized in the PI’s laboratory and in collaboration with investigators at FLIR Detection, Inc. (Pittsburgh, PA). The incorporation of GCPs into a range of fabrics of importance in Second Skin technology, including but not limited to polyurethanes and polyvinylpyridines, will be further established in the PI’s Emory University laboratory and at FLIR. Collaborators at the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) will assess some of the GCP properties using live CWAs. The proposed effort will provide fundamental research information on structural, dynamic, and textural properties of these new materials and contribute to the training of the two Ph.D. students in the use of several techniques, inter-group collaborations and program development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 26, 2016
- Source ID
- HDTRA11610029
Entities
People
- Craiglivingston Hill
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- Emory University