Decontamination of Mustard Gas with Processable Dry Reactive Polymers via Oxidation-Chlorination

In this study, an N-chloramide-modified reactive copolymer, chlorinated poly (4-vinylbenzenesulfonamide-co-methyl methacrylate) (PVMCI), was designed and synthesized for rapid and efficient detoxification of sulfur mustard (HD, 2-bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide) under ambient conditions. The detoxification rate of HD was up to 95% in 1 h, and HD was decomposed completely within 5 h by PVMCI both in aqueous solution and solid phase. The product characterization revealed the essential role of surface N-chloramide groups for the selective oxidation of HD. Furthermore, the self-decontamination nonwoven mat was successfully fabricated by electrospinning, which showed a satisfactory decontamination rate and long-term effect against HD.