Balancing chemical warfare agent degradation and permeability in a zirconium-based metal-organic framework fiber composite

Integrating metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) onto textile fibers enables the preparation of MOF-based solid catalysts for practical protective applications such as the degradation of chemical warfare agents (CWAs). While MOF-coated fiber composites show promise for nerve agent hydrolysis under relevant conditions, it is critical to optimize the preparation of these composites to maximize their catalytic activity, permeability, and capture capabilities. Here, we systematically study multiple variables that can affect the catalytic activity and permeability of an MOF-polymer fiber composite based on a zirconium MOF and a non-volatile amine-based crosslinked polyethyleneimine: activation method, MOF mass loading, MOF particle size, and crosslinker amount. We determine that activation methods, MOF mass loadings, and MOF particle size are the most crucial parameters that affect the resulting composite. Ultimately, our work develops composite materials and provides critical insight into the production of MOF-based personal protective equipment for CWA detoxification and reduced CWA permeation under practical conditions.