A photocatalytic chlorine-substituted UiO-66-NH2 nanofibrous membrane for efficient degradation of CEES

Mustard gas (HD) poses a severe threat due to its high toxicity, driving the need for functional materials enabling its rapid degradation. This study developed a flexible photocatalytic membrane by in-situ growth of chlorinated UiO-66-NH 2 crystals on an electrospun PVDF doped with sulfonated graphene oxide nanofiber substrate via a low-temperature solvothermal process. Using a sulfonate-assisted ligand functionalization strategy, the band structure and surface activity were effectively tuned. The optimized membrane with 50 % chlorine substitution exhibited a high specific surface area (255.89 m 2 /g) and exceptional photocatalytic activity. The synergistic effect between -NH 2 and electron-withdrawing Cl groups enhanced charge separation and boosted the generation of O 2 •- and •OH radicals. Under visible light (λ ≥ 400 nm), the membrane achieved 99.6 % degradation of CEES within 12 h and retained over 93 % efficiency after five cycles. It also demonstrated excellent flexibility, moisture permeability (~5525 g/(m 2 ·24h)), mechanical strength (8.61 MPa), and stability in acidic and alkaline environments. This work provides a wearable, efficient material system promising for next-generation chemical protective equipment. • Chlorinated UiO-66-NH 2 is grown on flexible nanofibers via sulfonate assistance. • The membrane degrades 99.6 % CEES by visible-light-enhanced charge separation. • A wearable, stable catalytic membrane is designed for advanced protective textiles.