Ultrathin Zirconium Hydroxide Nanosheet‐Assembled Nanofibrous Membranes for Rapid Degradation of Chemical Warfare Agents
Yalong Liao, Wenkun Chen, Shouzhen Li, Wenling Jiao, Yang Si, Jianyong Yu, Bin Ding
Abstract
Abstract Organophosphorus‐based chemical warfare agents (CWAs) are highly poisonous, and recent attacks using nerve agents have stimulated researchers to develop breakthrough materials for their fast degradation. Zr‐based materials have been identified as the most effective catalysts for breaking down CWAs, but in their powdered form, their practical application in personal protective equipment is limited. Herein, a surface‐confined strategy for the direct growth of vertically aligned zirconium hydroxide (Zr(OH) 4 ) nanosheets with ultrathin and tortuous structures on nanofibers is reported. The freestanding Zr(OH) 4 nanosheet‐assembled nanofibrous membranes (NANMs) show superior catalytic performance to degrade dimethyl methylphosphonate, a nerve agent simulant, with a half‐life of 4 min. In addition, intriguing membrane‐type NANMs feature integrated properties of exceptional breathability, prominent flexibility, and robust fatigue resistance over one million buckling loads. This facile strategy provides a novel route to manufacture new classes of nanosheet‐supported membranes for chemical‐protective materials, in particular for gas filters, protective suits, and clothing.