Sensitizers on inorganic carriers for decomposition of the chemical warfare agent yperite

Environ Sci Technol. 2008 Jul 1;42(13):4908-13. doi: 10.1021/es800170a.

Abstract

Sulfur-containing compounds, such as mercaptans, alkali sulfides, alkali sulfites, and alkali thiosulfates, are byproducts of industrial processes and pollutants of waste and natural waters. Other sulfur-containing compounds such as yperite are dangerous chemical weapons. Efficient photocatalytic decomposition of these molecules is a process that can find applications in emergency situations or for the controlled destruction of chemical warfare stockpiles. A series of heterogeneous photocatalysts consisting of a metal phthalocyanine or 2,4,6-triphenylpyrylium as photoactive components encapsulated inside the cavities of zeolite Y or the mesoporous channels of MCM-41 or supported on silica or titania-silica was tested for the photocatalytic decomposition of yperite. Two types of photoreactors, either an open reactor naturally aerated or a closed quartz tube with a constant airflow using UV or visible ambient light were used. These tests demonstrated that iron and manganese phthalocyanine and 2,4,6-triphenylpyrylium embedded in NaY or titania-silica can be suitable solid photocatalysts for the degradation of yperite using UV and visible irradiation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Benzene Derivatives / chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Chemical Warfare Agents / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Mustard Gas / chemistry*
  • Photochemistry / methods*
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • Zeolites / chemistry

Substances

  • 2,4,6-triphenylpyrylium
  • Benzene Derivatives
  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • MCM-41
  • Zeolites
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Mustard Gas