Photoactive Thiazole-Linked Nanoporous Covalent Organic Frameworks Enable Self-Cleaning Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) has traditionally served as a passive barrier against chemical and biological threats. However, its effectiveness is limited, as it does not actively neutralize hazardous agents. To address this limitation, we developed two thiazole-linked covalent organic frameworks (TZPY-COFs: TZPY-1 and TZPY-2) using a one-step vulcanization strategy that transforms dynamic imine bonds into rigid, conjugated thiazole rings. This structural modification enhances chemical stability, extends π-delocalization, and strengthens the donor–acceptor interface, thereby promoting exciton dissociation and charge migration. To translate these properties into a practical application, the COFs were incorporated into electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers, resulting in flexible, processable photocatalytic textiles. Under white-light irradiation, the TZPY-COF/PAN composites demonstrated impressive dual-function performance: They degraded over 99% of the sulfur mustard simulant 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) within 60 min (half-life: 24 min), selectively producing the nontoxic 2-chloroethyl sulfoxide (CEESO) while simultaneously inactivating ≥99% of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis in the same time frame. Furthermore, the material retained its activity over multiple cycles, underscoring its durability and reusability. These findings suggest a promising path toward self-decontaminating, reusable protective textiles that can actively defend against both chemical and microbial threats.