Bulk Remediation of Organophosphorus Contaminants using Metal-Organic Framework Polymer Composites

Organophosphorus (OP) chemical warfare agents (CWAs) are a group of deadly compounds which inhibit the enzyme acetyl cholinesterase and disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system. Events in Damascus, Syria (2013) and Salisbury, United Kingdom (2018), have highlighted the dangers that these noxious agents still pose to civilian and military personnel. CWA degradation measures often employ an excess of stoichiometric reagents and solution buffers. There is therefore a demand for catalytic systems which can combat the CWA threat in the absence of additional reagents.