Catalytic Topical skin cream Protectants Based on Nanoparticles and Polyoxometalates

Catalytically reactive topical skin protectant (rTSP) for soldiers against chemical warfare agents will be developed based on two complimentary technologies. The first will be an outgrowth of nanoparticle metal oxides as destructive adsorbents, where catalytic action is facilitated by placing monolayers of catalytically active transition metal oxides on nanoparticles of MgO and/or ZnO. Another approach to generating catalytic behavior will be to incorporate into the skin cream tertiary amine functionalities so that when the nanoparticles cause base catalyzed dehydrohalogenation of half mustard, mustard gas, or nerve agents, the liberated HCl or HF will be neutralized. The second technology approach will be through subcontracted collaborative work with Professor Craig Hill of Emory University, where polyoxometalates (POMs) will be employed as oxidation catalysts for half-mustard and other warfare mimics. The key steps to be investigated will be POM facilitated oxidation of the sulfur atom to the less toxic sulfoxide, and subsequent removal of the sulfoxide into the skin cream so that catalytic sites are liberated for further action. Finally, these two emerging technologies, nanoparticle metal oxides and polyoxometalates will be combined to harness both their catalytic potentials. For example, certain polyoxometalates will be coated onto ZnO nanoparticles. Specific uses of Catalytic Reactive Nanoparticles include: (1) protective skin cream; (2) Personnel protective equipment; (3) biological and chemical warfare decontamination systems; and (4) emergency decontamination kits.