IISER Bhopal Researchers develop material to break down chemical warfare agents like Mustard Gas

Researchers at IISER Bhopal have developed a new photocatalyst called UC-POP-Au, which absorbs the entire spectrum of light, making it a potent catalyst for chemical processes. This sustainable development has the potential to detoxify harmful substances like chemical warfare agents. The UC-POP-Au material integrates upconversion nanoparticles and gold nanoparticles with a UV-absorbing porous organic polymer. It has shown excellent performance in detoxifying mustard gas simulant under sunlight. The research team is now working on developing advanced materials to break down other toxic chemicals.