Photocatalytic Degradation of Chemical Agent Simulants with Solar Irradiation

There is need for an environmentally safe and economically viable process to destroy the stockpiles of chemical warfare agents in the United States. Photocatalysis driven by light from the sun using semiconductor surfaces and particles has thus far failed to provide the necessary combination of efficiency and stability. We propose using hydrogen peroxide in combination with homogeneous and heterogeneous photocatalysts activated by solar irradiation to degrade chemical agents. The Phase I study will compare the efficiency of the different advanced oxidation processes for degradation of simulants which are good chemical analogues of VX, HD, and GB. The degree to which the process mineralizes the simulant in addition to detoxifying it will be evaluated. The most promising process(s) will be incorporated and tested in the solar reactor designed in Phase II.