Metal Organic Framework Functionalized Fabrics for Detoxification of Chemical Warfare Agents

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) have always been an issue of concern around the globe from the perspective of defense and civilian life. To protect humans from these toxic chemicals, various research groups have worked closely with defense agencies for a superior technological solution in terms of efficiency and robustness. In this context, the metal organic frameworks (MOFs) were studied extensively as a perfect candidate to catalytically detoxify CWAs by capturing them first and then eventually converting them into nontoxic chemicals. However, use of the MOFs does not allow for easy application in the real world, for example, wipes, filters, etc. This review addresses the different techniques used to incorporate these Zr-based and Cu-based MOFs into versatile fibers or fabric form (textile). Electrospinning is the most feasible way to integrate the MOFs in fiber at the minute level; however, the variation in the substrate (fiber)-MOF pair and the binding mechanism would improve the efficiency of the resultant meshwork toward CWAs. Although the composite showed the potential to be utilized in protective clothing, there are still many issues regarding the versatility of the CWAs, which need to be addressed in the near future.