Catalyst destroys common toxic nerve agents quickly
Monday, March 16, 2015 - 21:30
in Physics & Chemistry
Scientists have developed a robust new material, inspired by biological catalysts, that is extraordinarily effective at destroying toxic nerve agents that are a threat around the globe. The material, a zirconium-based metal-organic framework, degrades in minutes one of the most toxic chemical agents known to humankind: Soman, a more toxic relative of sarin. Computer simulations show the MOF should be effective against other easy-to-make agents, such as VX.