Instantaneous hydrolysis of nerve-agent simulants with a six-connected zirconium-based metal-organic framework

Abstract A nerve-agent simulant based on a phosphate ester is hydrolyzed using a MOF-based catalyst. Suspensions of MOF-808 (6-connected), a material featuring 6-connected zirconium nodes, display the highest hydrolysis rates among all MOFs that have been reported to date. A plug-flow reactor was also prepared with MOF-808 (6-connected) as the active layer. Deployed in a simple filtration scheme, the reactor displayed high hydrolysis efficiency and reusability. Detox, faster than fast: Chemical-warfare agents, including nerve agents, are a threat to humans. A six-connected zirconium metal-organic framework (MOF) can hydrolyze a nerve-agent simulant within 30's which is faster than any other catalyst reported. It is a promising material for protective equipment as well as the elimination of large stores of nerve agents.