Neutralizing the threat: A comprehensive review of chemical warfare agent decontamination strategies

Abstract

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) represent a significant threat, necessitating the development of effective decontamination strategies. This article reviews various decontamination methods, analysing their respective strengths and weaknesses against chemical warfare agents including vesicants: sulfur mustard (bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide, HD; nitrogen mustards; bis(2-chloroethyl)ethylamine (HN1), bis (2-chloroethyl)methylamine (HN2), tris(2-chloroethyl)amine (NH3) and Lewisite; nerve agents sarin (isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate, GB), soman (pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoridate, GD), tabun (Ethyl N,N’-dimethylphosphoroamidocyanidate, GA) and VX, (ethyl N-2-diisopropyl aminoethyl methylphosphonothiolate); vomiting agent Clark I (diphenylchloroarsine, DA). Traditional decontamination approaches include hydrolysis, which utilises water for CWA breakdown, and chlorine-based decontamination, known for its effectiveness despite environmental drawbacks. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) offer efficient CWA destruction using highly reactive radicals but can be complex to implement. Emerging materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have the potential to revolutionise the field of chemical warfare agent decontamination due to their high surface area and tunable structures. Additionally, polyoxometalates (POMs), zeolites, and reactive polymers are being investigated for their catalytic and adsorptive properties in CWA degradation. This review highlights the necessity for continuous research to develop efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly decontamination methods. The potential of combining existing approaches and tailoring novel materials, such as MOFs and reactive polymers, paves the way for significant advancements in CWA decontamination.