(335b) Rapid Fabrication of Large-Area Metal-Organic Framework (MOF)-Fabric for Particulate Matter (PM) Filtration and Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA) Degradation

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with their ordered porosity and high surface area, have been utilized in various separation and filtration-based applications. Recently, research has explored their use for particulate matter (PM) filtration and chemical warfare agent (CWA) degradation by integrating MOFs into membranes and textiles. However, the use of harsh organic solvents (such as DMF and DMSO) and lengthy (~24 hrs.) synthesis timescale present challenges for large-scale MOF-fabric synthesis.

In this study, we utilized the rapid aqueous synthesis of zirconium-MOFs UiO-66 and UiO-66-NH₂ on the surface of different fabrics using sequential dip coating (SQD) process and evaluated the effectiveness of these MOF-fabrics for PM filtration and CWA degradation respectively. We were able to use a roll-to-roll coating procedure to create large-area MOF-fabrics. Using a non-toxic solvent and a rapid synthesis technique, we were able to synthesize large-area MOF-fabric in two hours, which is much faster than traditional MOF-fabric synthesis. UiO-66-polyester demonstrated improved filtration performance (>20 % for PM_0.3) and achieved the ASTM F3502 certification. UiO-66-NH₂-polyester was able to degrade 74 % of the nerve agent soman (GD) in 24 hours. The ease of scalability due to the use of aqueous-based rapid synthesis shown in this work allows for the expansion of MOF-fabric application in PM filtration and CWA degradation.