Integrating metal-organic framework particles on fabric membranes for decontaminating toxic organophosphates

Abstract

Zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) with periodic Lewis acidic nodes have demonstrated impressive catalytic activity in the hydrolysis of organophosphorus nerve agents. Nevertheless, the powdered form of Zr-MOFs and the necessity of a base-buffered aqueous solution during the catalytic reaction pose significant challenges to their practical utilization. In this study, we demonstrate the efficient hydrolysis of an organophosphorus nerve agent simulant, dimethyl-4-nitrophenyl phosphate (DMNP), in both pure water and the solid phase under high humidity conditions, catalyzed by a membrane material. This material, denoted as Im@MOF-808/PVDF, was synthesized through the integration of MOF-808 particles onto PVDF membrane fibers, with imidazole (Im) molecular bases incorporated into the pores of MOF-808. Our findings emphasize the excellent flexibility and processability inherent in Im@MOF-808/PVDF. More notably, it exhibits exceptional catalytic performance in the hydrolysis of DMNP in pure water. Additionally, it demonstrates fair catalytic activity for solid-phase DMNP hydrolysis under high humidity conditions. These features position Im@MOF-808/PVDF as one of the most promising protective materials, showcasing substantial practical applicability.