MOF Sponges for Enhanced Protection Against Warfare Chemicals

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline porous materials formed by the coordination driven self-assembly of metal ions/metal clusters and organic linkers. MOFs are attractive materials due to their tunable pore, very high surface area (up to 7000 m2/g), diverse possibilities of functionalization of the framework structure and potential applications. In particular, MOFs have showed potential in the adsorption and detoxification of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and Toxic Industrial chemicals (TIC’s). Precision Combustion, in collaboration with Clarkson University, will develop MOF-based flexible sponge composite materials for enhanced soldier protection against chemical warfare attacks and toxic industrial chemicals. Through a combination of the spatial structure of the support (to be developed at PCI) and the excellent adsorption capacity of MOF coatings (based on our previous experience coating MOF on supports), the MOF-sponge will possess good permeability and high dynamic adsorption capacity for chemical warfare and industrial chemicals. Following a successful Phase 1, Phase 2 and 3 of the program will advance the technology to TRL5/6. The supports and MOF materials will be optimized to target a wide range of CWA and TIC’s. Scale-up and manufacturing avenues will be established for large-scale production and distribution. Integration with various PPE equipment will be evaluated. Prototypes will be fabricated and evaluated for multiple scenarios. All relative MIL-Specs will be identified and testing will be provided accordingly.