Daylight-activated fumigant detoxifying nanofibrous membrane based on thiol-ene click chemistry

Daylight-activated detoxifying nanofibrous membranes (LDNMs) are fabricated by grafting benzophenone-3,3',4,4'-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BD) and biological thiols successively on poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) (EVOH) nanofibrous membrane. Taking the merits of photoactivity of BD, high-reactivity of biological thiols, and high specific surface area and porosity of the nanofibrous membrane, 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) can be efficiently detoxified on the LDNMs under daylight irradiation via a thiol-ene click reaction. The detoxification function of the LDNMs is switched on by light irradiation and continues by following a cascade of chemical attacks of thiyl radicals formed during the photoexcitation process. The resultant LDNMs present rapid detoxification rate (i.e., t(1/2) = similar to 30 min) and massive detoxification amount (i.e., similar to 12 mg/g) against 1,3-D vapor under ambient conditions. More importantly, the LDNMs perform a detoxification tailing effect after moving the light-irradiated membrane to a dark environment, thus ensuring the protective function in the absence of sufficient light sources. The detoxification property of the LDNMs in an outdoor environment with sunlight irradiation shows comparable results to the lab-scale outcomes, enabling them to serve as innovative materials for personal protective equipment in practical applications. The successful fabrication of LDNMs may inspire new insights into the design of protective materials providing aggressive protection.

Automated summary

Daylight-activated detoxifying nanofibrous membranes efficiently detoxify 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) through a thiol-ene click reaction under daylight irradiation. The detoxification process is initiated and sustained by light-induced cascade chemical attacks of thiyl radicals, showing rapid and massive detoxification effects. These membranes also demonstrate a detoxification tailing effect in the absence of light sources, making them effective for personal protective equipment.