NU 2020-050
INVENTORS Yassine Beldjoudi Ahmet Atilgan James F Stoddart*
ABSTRACT Molecular oxygen, which plays a crucial role in several chemical reactions involved in the synthesis of biological life, has more recently found application in the detoxification of chemical warfare agents (CWAs), such as sulfur mustard. Northwestern researchers have developed a method to prepare inexpensive, photostable porous organic polymeric nanocomposites that can produce molecular oxygen in an easy and environmentally friendly process. These materials that can be used to remove such contaminants from the environment and perform neutralizing photocatalysis of chemical warfare agents. The composites comprise an admixture of (1) polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) and (2) tetracationic cyclophanes. They are insoluble in organic and aqueous solvents which make them desirable for device fabrication. In addition, these composites are microporous, and therefore can adsorb polyaromatic pollutants. Under photoexcitation, they have shown efficient singlet oxygen generation and therefore are effective photocatalysts for selective removal of environmental contaminants. Because these materials are stable, easy to process and efficient for the catalysis of chemical warfare agents, they can be utilized in coatings of protective equipment, fabricated membranes, clothes and gels that can have real application in military warfare, and water purification through adsorption of polyaromatic hydrocarbons.
APPLICATIONS
ADVANTAGES
PUBLICATION Beldjoudi Y et al. (2020) Supramolecular Porous Organic Nanocomposites for Heterogeneous Photocatalysis of a Sulfur Mustard Simulant. Advanced Materials. 32: 2001592.
IP STATUS Provisional and PCT applications have been filed.