Abstract: Forming a photocatalyst/aerogel composite includes contacting an aerogel including a porous carbon nanotube network with a solution including a photocatalyst precursor to yield a wet gel. The porous carbon nanotube network includes carbon nanotubes, nodes, and struts. Each node is defined by a region in which two of the carbon nanotubes are in direct contact with each other, and each strut is defined by one of the carbon nanotubes extending between a first node and a second node. Forming the photocatalyst/aerogel composite further includes initiating a chemical reaction in the wet gel to form, on the nodes and struts, photocatalyst nanoparticles from the photocatalyst precursor, and removing liquid from the wet gel to yield an aerogel composite defining pores and including the photocatalyst nanoparticles. The photocatalyst nanoparticles are covalently bonded to the nodes and the struts throughout the porous carbon nanotube network.

Abstract: An isolator includes a work chamber, a sterilizing substance supply unit, a gas flow channel pressure adjustment unit, a work chamber barometer, and a controller. The controller is configured to control execution of a gas flow channel leak test for checking a gas leak in a gas flow channel based on a detection result by the work chamber barometer after making the gas flow channel pressure adjustment unit increase or decrease the pressure in the gas flow channel, and is configured to control supply of the sterilizing substance by the sterilizing substance supply unit. The controller performs heating of a heater, which accompanies the supply of the sterilizing substance, in parallel with the gas flow channel leak test.

Abstract: A method for gas phase application of chlorine dioxide within an enclosed volume that includes the steps of: climatizing the enclosed volume to achieve a relative humidity (RH) in the range of about 5% to about 56%; generating chlorine dioxide gas; and introducing the chlorine dioxide gas under specified conditions of chlorine dioxide gas concentration and contact time, the specified conditions being effective to eliminate contaminants within the closed volume, and further to mitigate corrosion within the enclosed volume during the gas phase application.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a closed environment is provided in which a disinfection apparatus is placed into the closed environment; it then generates ozone to a predetermined ozone concentration, following which the humidity of the closed environment is rapidly increased. A catalytic converter then reduces the ozone concentration to safe levels. When the ozone concentration is reduced to a predetermined safe level, the disinfection apparatus signals.

Abstract: A chemical warfare (CW) agent decontamination system and method for decontaminated surfaces contaminated by CW agents. The system includes both solid particles and liquid solution in admixture such that the solid particles absorb the liquid decontamination material. The method of decontaminating surfaces contaminated with CW agents includes contacting the CW agent with a sufficient amount of a solid-particle sorbent for a sufficient time and under conditions which are sufficient to produce a reaction product having less toxicity than the CW agent. CW agents to be decontaminated include the nerve agents VX and G-type agents, and mustard agent HD. The system is non-toxic and has a reduced environmental impact as compared to the previously available decontamination systems and solutions.

Abstract: Apparatus, process and article for treating a gas containing one or more of a chemical and/or biological contaminant. The process includes contacting the gas with an aggregate composition comprising an insoluble rare earth-containing compound to form a gas depleted of chemical and active biological contaminants. The insoluble rare earth-containing compound can include one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. The composition comprises no more than two elements selected from the group consisting of yttrium, scandium, and europium when the aggregate has been sintered. A suitable insoluble cerium-containing compound can be derived from cerium carbonate. In one embodiment, the aggregate composition consists essentially of one or more cerium oxides, and optionally, a binder. Although intended for a variety of fluid treatment applications, such applications specifically include the treatment of breathing gases such as air that may contain chemical and/or biological contaminants.

Abstract: This disclosure provides novel compositions comprising an inorganic and organic compound, which provides a means for the indirect attachment of a reactive species, such as an organic reactive molecule, within a binder polymer matrix. Such compositions provide a hydrophilic nanoscale domain that is uniformly dispersed within the polymer matrix. The nanoscale domain comprises inorganic particles having a nanoscale dimension. Such compositions can enhance the performance potential of the re-active species within the polymer material. The polymer composite that results from the introduction of such reactive species into a polymer matrix provides a self-decontaminating feature. The reactive species include those that are capable of associating with a halogen to form a complex that is active in decontamination of chemical or biological agents.

Abstract: A method for gas phase application of chlorine dioxide within an enclosed volume that includes the steps of: climatizing the enclosed volume to achieve a relative humidity (RH) in the range of about 5% to about 56%; generating chlorine dioxide gas; and introducing the chlorine dioxide gas under specified conditions of chlorine dioxide gas concentration and contact time, the specified conditions being effective to eliminate contaminants within the closed volume, and further to mitigate corrosion within the enclosed volume during the gas phase application.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a portable decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a decontamination process. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to chemical and biological decontamination solutions and methods of using them. The invention is useful for decontaminating a wide range of compounds and organisms. In particular, the systems, methods, solutions, and formulations of the invention can be used to remove and/or neutralize organophosphates and other toxic chemicals, bacteria, bacterial spores, fungi, molds and viruses.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions for neutralization and decontamination of toxic chemical and biological agents. In one embodiment, the subject matter discloses a nontoxic, non-corrosive composition capable of neutralizing and decontaminating toxic chemical and biological agents in a very short period of time. The present subject matter finds utility in a great number of occasions, including, but not limited to, military actions or terrorist attacks where chemical or biological agents are utilized.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a blasting treatment apparatus which can prevent dispersion of a hazardous substance or the like to the exterior with a simple structure. To achieve this object, a blasting treatment apparatus (1) comprises a pressure container (10) including an outer vessel (31) and an inner vessel (32) and a suction device. The outer vessel (32) has a first sucking part (17) and a second sucking part (18) for interconnecting the interior and the exterior of the outer vessel (31) at an end thereof opposite to a pressure-resistant lid (11) and in an upper wall. The inner vessel (32) has an interconnect hole (16) for interconnecting the interior and the exterior of the inner vessel (32) at a location thereof corresponding to the first sucking part (17).

Abstract: A method for in situ generation of a decontamination solution adapted to decontaminate mustard agents by oxidation and nerve agents by perhydrolysis, comprising the steps of generating a stable precursor solution of aqueous NH4HCO3 by bubbling CO2 and NH3 into a container of water; and adding a peroxide component to the precursor solution. The step of bubbling CO2 into a container of water may be accomplished by bubbling fossil fuel engine exhaust including CO2 directly into the container of water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mixture and method for remediating air dispersed biological particles. The mixture contains a carrier, an active biocidal ingredient, and a deliquescent which are mixed, heated and then grinded into biocidal particles approximately 1-50 microns in size. The biocidal particles are then dispersed into the air infected with biological particles using an aerosol generator and similar device. The biocidal particles may be charged to attract the biological particles and the carrier assists in attaching to the biological particles. Upon exposure to ambient humidity the deliquescent dissolves and allows the active biocidal ingredient to react creating a chemical byproduct which attacks and remediates the biological particles. The present invention may utilize two mixtures with two separate active biocidal ingredients which react with one another to create the desired chemical byproduct such as chlorine dioxide. The chemical byproduct may be hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the decontamination of articles contaminated (or thought to be contaminated) with bioweapons, such as methods and apparatus for decontaminating articles contaminated with sporualated bioweapons. In some embodiments, the methods are methods of decontaminating an environment, for example a room or building contaminated with a bioweapon.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to chemical and biological decontamination solutions and methods of using them. The invention is useful for decontaminating a wide range of compounds and organisms. In particular, the systems, methods, solutions, and formulations of the invention can be used to remove and/or neutralize organophosphates and other toxic chemicals, bacteria, bacterial spores, fungi, molds and viruses.

Abstract: A nano-sized or micro-sized fiber comprising particles capable of at least partially detoxifying a toxic agent.

Abstract: Compositions, materials incorporating the compositions, and methods of use thereof, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the composition includes a metal nitrate selected from d-block metal nitrates and f-block metal nitrates and a metal salt having weakly bound counter anions. The metal of the metal salt having weakly bound counter anions is selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal. Another embodiment of the composition includes a first polyoxometalate having a first metal selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal and a second polyoxometalate having a second metal selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal. The first metal being an open coordinate site of the first polyoxometalate. In addition, the first metal has a nitrate terminal ligand. The second metal being an open coordinate site of the second polyoxometalate. In addition, the second metal has a halide terminal ligand.

Abstract: When microbial contamination is introduced into a room (20*) of an enclosure, such as a building, an HVAC system including supply ductwork (16) and a return ductwork (34) is decontaminated with hydrogen peroxide vapor. A decontamination controller (46) operates controllable baffles (22) at outlet registers (20), temporary controllable baffles (44) at inlet registers (30), and a blower system (10) to circulate hydrogen peroxide vapor from hydrogen peroxide vapor generators (42) through the ductwork in both forward and reverse directions. Further, at least portions of the baffles are closed to create dwell times in which the hydrogen peroxide vapor resides in the ductwork with minimal or turbulent flow.

Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide is vaporized (20) and mixed (30) with ammonia gas in a ratio between 1:1 and 1:0.0001. The peroxide and ammonia vapor mixture are conveyed to a treatment area (10) to neutralize V-type, H-type, or G-type chemical agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, prions, and the lip-,e. The ammonia provides the primary deactivating agent for G-type agents with the peroxide acting as an accelerator. The peroxide acts as the primary agent for deactivating V-type and H-type agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, and prions. The ammonia acts as an accelerator in at least some of these peroxide deactivation reactions.

Abstract: A sterilization system that includes a sensor for determining the concentration of a liquid sterilant in a sterilant fluid. The sterilant fluid is comprised of a blend of sterilant fluids from a plurality of sterilant supplies. The concentration of the liquid sterilant differs in each of the sterilant supplies. The sensor allows a controllable concentration of liquid sterilant to be supplied to a vaporizer.

Abstract: A photocatalyst nanocomposite which can be used to destroying biological agents includes a carbon nanotube core, and a photocatalyst coating layer covalently or ionically bound to a surface of the nanotube core. The coating layer has a nanoscale thickness. A method of forming photocatalytic nanocomposites includes the steps of providing a plurality of dispersed carbon nanotubes, chemically oxidizing the nanotubes under conditions to produce surface functionalized nanotubes to provide C and O including groups thereon which form ionic or covalent bonds to metal oxides, and processing a metal oxide photocatalyst sol-gel precursor in the presence of the nanotubes, wherein a nanoscale metal oxide photocatalyst layer becomes covalently or ionically bound to the nanotubes.

Abstract: Apparatus, process and article for treating a gas containing one or more of a chemical and/or biological contaminant. The process includes contacting the gas with an aggregate composition comprising an insoluble rare earth-containing compound to form a gas depleted of chemical and active biological contaminants. The insoluble rare earth-containing compound can include one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. The composition comprises no more than two elements selected from the group consisting of yttrium, scandium, and europium when the aggregate has been sintered. A suitable insoluble cerium-containing compound can be derived from cerium carbonate. In one embodiment, the aggregate composition consists essentially of one or more cerium oxides, and optionally, a binder. Although intended for a variety of fluid treatment applications, such applications specifically include the treatment of breathing gases such as air that may contain chemical and/or biological contaminants.

Abstract: This invention provides a new generalized method for screening, identifying, selecting and designing symmetry-based compounds useful for blocking pores or prepores formed by pathogenic agents including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and other proteins capable of forming pores on cellular membranes as a step in the pathogenic mechanism of the agent. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, filtering devices, and treatment methods useful for preventing, delaying, or otherwise altering the pathogenesis of the pore-forming pathogenic agents.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the decontamination of articles contaminated (or thought to be contaminated) with bioweapons, such as methods and apparatus for decontaminating articles contaminated with sporualated bioweapons. In some embodiments, the methods are methods of decontaminating an environment, for example a room or building contaminated with a bioweapon.

Abstract: When microbial contamination is introduced into a room (20*) of an enclosure, such as a building, an HVAC system including supply ductwork (16) and a return ductwork (34) is decontaminated with hydrogen peroxide vapor. A decontamination controller (46) operates controllable baffles (22) at outlet registers (20), temporary controllable baffles (44) at inlet registers (30), and a blower system (10) to circulate hydrogen peroxide vapor from hydrogen peroxide vapor generators (42) through the ductwork in both forward and reverse directions. Further, at least portions of the baffles are closed to create dwell times in which the hydrogen peroxide vapor resides in the ductwork with minimal or turbulent flow.

Abstract: A reactive and adsorptive (i.e., multi-functional protective) textile and methods for constructing and using same which possess at least chemically reactive and biocidal properties. Nanoparticles from different classes such as metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal hydrates and POMs are incorporated into elements which can be utilized in a wide variety of protective materials. The nanoparticles may be treated to reduce water solubility or combined with halogens, alkali metals or secondary metal oxides to specifically engineer the nanoparticle to address a particular chemical or biocidal threat.

Abstract: Mail which may be contaminated with a biotoxin, such as Anthrax, is received in a preliminary sorting area (16) including a dirty side sorting room (40) that is sealed to the ambient environment. The mail is loaded into a pass-through decontamination system (22) in which the mail is sterilized or otherwise decontaminated. The mail is removed from the pass-through system in a second or clean room (18) which is isolated from the first. The mail is then sorted and processed in the lean room (18). In the event that the sorting room (40) becomes contaminated or is suspected of being contaminated by pathogenic biological or chemical agents, a spray system (86) supplies a decontamination gas into the preliminary sorting area (16) to decontaminate the dirty side sorting room (40), any equipment (42, 44) in the room, and any mail located in the room.

Abstract: A reactive-adsorptive protective material having an activated carbon adsorbent for adsorbing chemical impurities, wherein nanoparticular entities are loaded into and onto a surface of said activated carbon adsorbent to further impart chemically reactive and biocidal properties onto the activated carbon for providing protection against chemical and biological agents in the atmosphere. Advantageously, a superior reactive-adsorptive material is provided having the ability to kill microorganisms in addition to the ability to neutralize and decompose chemical substances, while at the same time not diminishing the adsorptive/reactive capabilities and effectiveness of either the substrate carbon or the loaded nanoparticular entities used.

Abstract: The present invention is for a spore collection apparatus and its method of use. The portable spore collection apparatus includes a suction source, a nebulizer, an ionization chamber and a filter canister. The suction source collects the spores from a surface. The spores are activated by heating whereby spore dormancy is broken. Moisture is then applied to the spores to begin germination. The spores are then exposed to alpha particles causing extinction.

Abstract: Decontamination apparatus and methods involve catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to drive additional hydrogen peroxide to a contaminated location.

Abstract: Formation of solid-water detoxifying reagents for chemical and biological agents. Solutions of detoxifying reagent for chemical and biological agents are coated using small quantities of hydrophobic nanoparticles by vigorous agitation or by aerosolization of the solution in the presence of the hydrophobic nanoparticles to form a solid powder. For example, when hydrophobic fumed silica particles are shaken in the presence of IN oxone solution in approximately a 95:5-weight ratio, a dry powder results. The hydrophobic silica forms a porous coating of insoluble fine particles around the solution. Since the chemical or biological agent tends to be hydrophobic on contact with the weakly encapsulated detoxifying solution, the porous coating breaks down and the detoxifying reagent is delivered directly to the chemical or biological agent for maximum concentration at the point of need.

Abstract: A process for the destruction of vesicants, nerve agents, and related chemical compounds is described. Blister-type chemical agents such as lewisite and mustards, as well as G or V Class nerve agents and phosphorus-containing pesticides, are reacted with a neutralent solution of a persulfate, preferably potassium peroxymonosulfate, and a peroxide, preferably hydrogen peroxide, at temperatures ranging from ambient to boiling for a time sufficient to reduce the residual agent concentration to levels acceptable for disposal in a routine manner.