Photocatalytic decontamination of sulfur mustard using titania nanomaterials

Photocatalytic decontamination of sulfur mustard (HD) was studied on titania nanomaterials, and data obtained with irradiation of sunlight and UV-A light was compared with that obtained without irradiation. Role of particle size on photocatalytic decontamination of HD was also investigated. Decontamination efficiency was found to decrease when particle size was increased from 11 nm to 1000 nm. TiO2 nanoparticles of ∼11 nm size of anatase phase exhibited superior decontamination properties relative to larger ones. 100% of HD was decontaminated on their surface within 6 h with irradiation of light. Without irradiation only 24.7% of HD was found to be decontaminated. GC–MS data indicated decontamination of HD to acetaldehyde, carbon dioxide, sulfur mustard sulfoxide, thiodiglycol, acetic acid, etc. due to photocatalysis. Without irradiation only hydrolysis products of HD like thiodiglycol were observed to be formed.

Graphical abstractPhotocatalytic decontamination of sulfur mustard (HD) was studied by using TiO2 nanoparticles. Role of particle size on decontamination efficiency was also explored. In the presence of sunlight, 100% of HD was decontaminated in 6 h. It was found to be converted into non toxic products like acetaldehyde, carbon dioxide, thiodiglycol, and sulfur mustard sulfoxide, due to photocatalysis facilitated by TiO2 nanoparticles and sunlight thereby avoiding health hazards.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (195 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles of different sizes using sol–gel method. ► Characterization of TiO2 nanoparticles was done by TEM, SEM, XRD, IR, and nitrogen adsorption. ► TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited better efficiency towards sulfur mustard than ZnO nanoparticles. ► Decontamination efficiency was found to increase with decrease in particle size. ► Percentage HD decontaminated was compared with and without irradiation.