Ultra‐Fast Degradation of Mustard Gas Simulant by Titanium Dioxide‐Phosphomolybdic Acid Sub‐1 nm Nanobelts

The development of novel catalysts for the rapid detoxification of sulfur mustard holds paramount importance in the field of military defense. In this work, titanium dioxide-phosphomolybdic acid sub-1 nm nanobelts (TiO₂/PMA SNBs) are employed as effective catalysts for the ultra-fast degradation of mustard gas simulants (2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, CEES) with 100% selectivity and a half-life (t_1/2, time required for 50% conversion) as short as 12 s, which is the fastest time to the best of the knowledge. Even in dark conditions, this material can still achieve over 90% conversion within 5 min. A mechanism study reveals that the rapid generation rate of ¹O₂ and O₂ ^•- in the presence of TiO₂/PMA SNBs and H₂O₂ plays a crucial role in facilitating the efficient oxidation of CEES. A filter layer of a gas mask loaded with TiO₂/PMA SNBs and H₂O₂/polyvinylpyrrolidone cross-linked complex (PHP) is constructed, which demonstrates remarkable stability and exhibits exceptional efficacy in the detoxification of CEES in the presence of a small amount of water. This innovation offers great potential for enhancing personal protective equipment in practical applications.