Ultra-Fast Degradation of Mustard Gas Simulant by Titanium Dioxide-Phosphomolybdic Acid Sub-1 nm Nanobelts

The development of novel catalysts for the rapid detoxification of sulfur mustard holds paramount importance in the field of military defense. In this work, titanium dioxide-phosphomolybdic acid sub-1 nm nanobelts (TiO₂/PMA SNBs) are employed as effective catalysts for the ultra-fast degradation of mustard gas simulants (2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, CEES) with 100% selectivity and a half-life (t_1/2, time required for 50% conversion) as short as 12 s, which is the fastest time to the best of the knowledge. Even in dark conditions, this material can still achieve over 90% conversion within 5 min. A mechanism study reveals that the rapid generation rate of ¹O₂ and O₂ ^•- in the presence of TiO₂/PMA SNBs and H₂O₂ plays a crucial role in facilitating the efficient oxidation of CEES. A filter layer of a gas mask loaded with TiO₂/PMA SNBs and H₂O₂/polyvinylpyrrolidone cross-linked complex (PHP) is constructed, which demonstrates remarkable stability and exhibits exceptional efficacy in the detoxification of CEES in the presence of a small amount of water. This innovation offers great potential for enhancing personal protective equipment in practical applications.