Destruction of Chemical Warfare Agents in Air at Low Temperatures

The objective for this Phase I project is to improve low-temperature activity and lifetime of catalysts for destruction of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) in air. High-temperature catalytic oxidation is effective for removal of CWAs; however, minimizing the power requirements would reduce the cost of operation and increase the practicality of catalytic filters for use in the field. The approach during Phase I will be to combine derivatives of low-temperature oxidation catalysts recently developed by Eltron with high surface area oxides that preferentially form phosphates and sulfates under oxidizing conditions. The catalyst will destroy the organic component of CWAs, while the adsorbent oxide retains phosphorus and sulfur. Ideally, compositions developed during Phase I will achieve i) low-temperature activity in air, ii) complete removal of CWAs for a practical period of time, iii) complete conversion of the organic component to CO2 and H2O, and iv) retention of all phosphorus and sulfur species.