NanoScale Oxide-base Solid Sorbent Trap for the Safe Handling of Chemical Contaminated Materials

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on the development and implementation of a nanoparticle metal-oxide based collection, neutralization, and preservation of battlefield materials and evidence of a chemical and/or biological agent. The key component of the proposed system will be a solid sorbent material, based on NanoScale's proprietary FAST-ACT formulation comprising on nanocrystalline metal oxides. Hazards posed to field and laboratory personnel will be mitigated by chemical neutralization of the toxic agents ensured by the high reactivity the FAST-ACT formulation. Decomposition of the chemical threat, immediately after sample collection, will differentiate the NanoScale system from other systems of this type. The neutralization mechanism will allow for unambiguous identification of the collected agent, by detection of reaction byproducts and characteristic chemical signatures, left on the sorbent material. The proposed system will be compatible with a broad range of chemical agents, including chemical warfare agents, lung damaging agents, as well as various toxic industrial chemicals. Sampling of various materials will be allowed including solids, liquids, and gases/vapors collected from surfaces, air, or water. Using metal oxides as sorbent materials will allow for the employment of a variety of analytical techniques to identify chemical agents present at the collection site.