Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of highly dispersed cerium-zirconium solid solution on TiCT nanosheets as an efficient decontamination towards sulfur mustard simulants.

The microwave-assisted hydrothermal method has facilitated the straightforward and efficient production of nanoscale CeZrO/TiCT composites. This technique has greatly shortened the synthesis time several hours required by conventional hydrothermal method to merely 10 min. Due to the unique mechanism of microwave-hydrothermal synthesis, composites with excellent crystallinity, uniform particle size, and superior degradation capabilities can be obtained without calcination. Our investigation systematically explores the influence of various factors including mineralizer concentration, dispersant types, synthesis duration, cerium-to-zirconium ratio, as well as MXene content on the material properties. Optimal degradation of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES), sulfur mustard simulants, is achieved using PEG1000 as the dispersant, a cerium-to-zirconium ratio of 1:2, along with 15 mL of MXene, resulting in a remarkably short half-life of only 6.5 min. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the incorporation of cerium atoms into ZrO lattice, forming a solid solution that is deposited onto the interlayer and surface of TiCT nanosheets, with the composite particles measuring approximately 5.01 nm. The reduced size and increased specific surface area, coupled with the synergistic effects of oxygen vacancies and acid-base sites, ultimately contribute to the hydrolysis and elimination reactions occurring on 2-CEES. This research offers fresh perspectives on the development of novel materials for the degradation of chemical warfare agents.