Modified titania nanotubes for decontamination of sulphur mustard

Modified titania nanotubes have been studied as powder decontaminants against sulphur mustard (HD), a deadliest chemical warfare agent. Decontamination reactions were carried out at room temperature (30+/-2 degrees C) and monitored by gas chromatography and gas chromatography mass spectrometry techniques. Reactions displayed first order kinetics. HD underwent accelerated hydrolysis on Ag(+)-titania nanotubes when compared to Cu(2+), Ni(2+), Co(2+), Mn(2+) and Ru(3+)-titania nanotubes depicting catalysis. Thiodiglycol, 1,4-oxathiane were observed to be major products formed except on Ru(3+)-titania nanotubes. Sulphur mustard sulphoxide formed on Ru(3+)-titania nanotubes indicating oxidative decontamination of HD.