Polymers Of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIMs) For CWA Capture And Destruction
Abstract
Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIMs) are solution processable microporous materials that are highly efficient adsorbents for organic vapors. We propose to modify the chemical composition of PIMs in order to prepare effective materials for the rapid adsorption and destruction of Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs), particularly nerve agents and mustard gas. This will be achieved by the post-synthetic introduction of strongly basic and/or super-nucleophilic sites into the structure of the PIM. Of particular interest are the introduction of strong a-nucleophiles, which are comprised of two connected heteroatoms (i.e. O and N), such as oxime or amidoxime groups, which have proven high reactivity towards catalytic CWA hydrolysis. These chemical modifications are not expected to adversely affect microporosity or processability of the PIM. The PIM platform will enable processing of these catalytic materials into powders, films, fibers and thin-film coatings suitable for testing. The fundamental understanding of CWA/simulant adsorption and hydrolysis within modified PIMs gained during the research program will allow the design and development of a practical and scalable modified PIM for effective use in individual and collective protection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 16, 2019
- Source ID
- HDTRA11810054
Entities
People
- Neil McKeown
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- University of Edinburgh