Molecular sieves supported with metal oxide nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization and decontamination of sulfur mustard

Abstract

Molecular sieves supported with MgO, CaO, NiO, CuO, Ag2O, MnO2, CeO2, Fe2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized by ion exchange, precipitation, and subsequent calcination. They were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption, and gravimetric techniques. Transmission electron microscopy data indicated the formation of metal oxide nanoparticles of size varying from 1.2 to 25 nm on the external surface of molecular sieves. X-ray diffraction revealed the preservation of the host structure during the synthesis. Reduction in surface areas and pore sizes indicated the partial blocking of pores of molecular sieves by metal oxide nanoparticles. These materials were used for decontamination of sulfur mustard. Molecular sieve supported with Ag2O nanoparticles showed greater decontamination efficiency when compared to molecular sieves supported with other materials. Molecular sieve supported with Ag2O nanoparticles chemically degraded 100 % of sulfur mustard within 16 h. Furthermore, molecular sieves supported with other materials showed better decontamination efficiency when compared to bare molecular sieve which decontaminated only 66 % of sulfur mustard in 48 h.