Unveiling Ru(bpy) ₃ ²⁺ ‐Encapsulated Zeolite Y as Photocatalyst: Harnessing Photocatalytic Singlet Oxygen Generation for Mustard Gas Simulant Detoxification

This study explores the encapsulation of Ru(bpy)₃ ²⁺ within Zeolite Y (ZY) to improve photocatalytic singlet oxygen generation for the degradation of a mustard gas simulant, namely 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). Mustard gas simulants are known to disrupt several biological processes; thus, their effective degradation is essential. Zeolite Y, with its hierarchical structure and adjustable Si/Al ratios, is an ideal host for Ru(bpy)₃ ²⁺, significantly improving its photocatalytic efficiency and stability. It is demonstrated through XRD and spectroscopic analyses that encapsulated Ru(bpy)₃ ²⁺ maintains its structural and photophysical properties, which are essential for generating singlet oxygen. Ru(bpy)₃(1.0) loaded ZY(15) (where 1.0 and 15 represent the encapsulated amount of Ru(bpy)₃ ²⁺ and Si/Al ratio, respectively) outperforms other investigated photocatalytic systems in the oxidation of CEES, demonstrating high conversion rates and selectivity toward nontoxic sulfoxide products. Immobilization of Ru(bpy)₃ ²⁺-encapsulated zeolite Y onto cotton fabric results in effective degradation of CEES. The experimental results, validated by theoretical calculations, indicate an improved oxygen affinity and accessibility in zeolites with higher Si/Al ratios. This study advances the design of photocatalytic materials for environmental and defense applications, providing sustainable solutions for hazardous chemical degradation.