An Update on Nanomaterials-Based Textiles for Protection and Decontamination

Protective clothing currently used against chemical and biological warfare (CBW) agents use activated charcoal impregnated with metal ions, which serve to physically adsorb nerve and blister agents thereby creating disposal hazards after its usage. Nanotechnology is booming in an unprecedented way in creating its impact in various applications such as in catalysis. Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) such as TiO2 and MgO are currently used as potential catalysts for the decontamination of CBW agents. Various synthetic routes adopted for the preparation of MONPs are highlighted in this review. When compared with conventionally-prepared samples, aerogel-prepared samples are more reactive toward toxic chemicals and their ability to degrade CBW is presented here. TiO2 photocatalysts in the presence of UV light and mixed metal oxides are found to be efficient catalysts when compared with individual oxides. The recent trend of exploiting nanoparticles and the high aspect ratio ceramic oxide nanofibers for use in protective clothing, wipe materials, and textiles has been presented. Some of the issues concerning integration of metal oxides into fabrics for sensors are also reviewed in this article.