Physico-chemical Properties, Biological and Environmental Impact of Nb-saponites Catalysts for the Oxidative Degradation of Chemical Warfare Agents

Abstract

Niobium‐containing saponite clays are active catalysts, under mild ambient conditions and in the presence of aqueous hydrogen peroxide, in the oxidative abatement of sulfur‐containing blister chemical warfare agent simulants, such as (2‐chloroethyl)ethyl sulfide. Over a Nb‐saponite solid, a complete, selective and safe abatement of the chemical agent was attained within 8 h. The biological and environmental impact of the Nb‐containing nanostructured clays used as decontamination solids was assessed by specific rapid biotoxicity tests on bioluminescent bacteria and vegetable plants. No negative impact on the strain of luminescent bacteria was evidenced in terms of acute and chronic toxicity. No adverse effects have been observed on vegetable plants in terms of germination, vigour and induction of chlorophyll fluorescence either.

Bifunctional Paramagnetic and Luminescent Clays Obtained by Incorporation of Gd3+ and Eu3+ Ions in the Saponite Framework

“…The introduction of both Gd 3+ and Eu 3+ ions in the saponite framework affected the size of lamellae, that is comparable to what was observed for Nb 5+ and V 3+ -containing saponites prepared with the same synthetic procedure. 22 − 24 Similar results in terms of morphology and particle size were also observed for the reference monofunctionalized solids ( Figure S2 ).…”

Novel light-emitting clays with structural Tb3+ and Eu3+ for chromate anion detection

“…These disadvantages could be overcome by design synthetic strategies based on the direct insertion of the lanthanide ions in the clay synthesis gel, as previously performed with vanadium and niobium metals. 5,31,32 Based on these considerations, in this study, two luminescent lanthanides, Tb 3+ and Eu 3+ , were simultaneously incorporated in the structure of a synthetic saponite clay (hereaer named Na-TbEuSAP), using a single-step hydrothermal approach. A solid with only Tb 3+ ions was also prepared as a reference (hereaer named Na-TbSAP).…”

“…In detail, Na-TbEuSAP and Na-TbSAP samples were prepared by a modied one-pot hydrothermal synthesis protocol, followed by sodium-exchange process (Scheme S1 in the ESI †). 5,31,32 Eu 3+ and Tb 3+ were introduced in the form of chloride salts during the synthesis gel along with the silicon, aluminium and magnesium precursors. The nal materials were then submitted to ionic exchange procedure to replace the different cations located in the saponite gallery (i.e.…”

“…These values are in line with the results obtained for other metal-containing saponites. 5,31,32 The solids showed high thermal stability, as indicated by the thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). The TGA ( Fig.…”

More Efficient Prussian Blue Nanoparticles for an Improved Caesium Decontamination from Aqueous Solutions and Biological Fluids

“…Numerous studies have shown that these strains were highly sensitive to toxic factors of various natures [ 49 ]. The biotoxicity of PB samples was evaluated on both acute and chronic effects [ 49 , 50 ] at 25 °C and a concentration of solid phase ranged from 0.05 to 0.5 mg/mL.…”