Publications by authors named "Amanda R Wilmsmeyer"
Sarin and soman are warfare nerve agents that represent some of the most toxic compounds ever synthesized. The extreme risk in handling such molecules has, until now, precluded detailed research into the surface chemistry of agents. We have developed a surface science approach to explore the fundamental nature of hydrogen bonding forces between these agents and a hydroxylated surface.
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- Understanding the surface chemistry of chemical warfare agents is essential for predicting how these toxic substances interact with military materials and environments, which can help develop new decontaminants and protective equipment.
- A specialized ultra-high vacuum instrument is described for studying the surface chemistry and interactions of these agents using advanced techniques like infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
- The research faces unique challenges due to the toxicity and low vapor pressure of the compounds, but the insights gained will enhance knowledge that could apply to real-world scenarios despite differences in environmental conditions.
The fundamental interactions of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) and dimethyl chlorophosphate (DMCP) on amorphous silica nanoparticles have been investigated with transmission infrared spectroscopy and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). DMMP and DMCP both adsorb molecularly to silica through the formation of hydrogen bonds between isolated silanols and the phosphoryl oxygen of the adsorbate. The magnitude of the shift of the ν(OH) mode upon simulant adsorption is correlated to the adsorption strength.
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