Enhanced Tactical Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Filtration System for Military Applications:Advanced Metal-Organic Framework Technology

Current military chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) protective filtration systems rely predominantly on activated carbon technology developed in the 1940s, presenting critical operational limitations including rapid capacity degradation in humid environments, limited effective service life, and inability to neutralize captured threats. This study presents the development and validation of an advanced Metal-Organic Framework (MOF)-based filtration system that addresses these tactical limitations through engineered nanoscale pore architecture and integrated catalytic decontamination capabilities.

The developed system utilizes a zirconium-based MOF composite with precisely controlled pore dimensions of 0.8-1.2 nanometers, optimized for selective capture and catalytic decomposition of chemical warfare agents, biological pathogens, and radiological particles. The MOF framework incorporates titanium oxide nanoparticles that generate hydroxyl radicals for chemical agent neutralization and strategically positioned silver nanoparticles providing continuous antimicrobial action without leaching. A hierarchical three-layer fiber architecture integrates the MOF composite through electrospinning technology, achieving 85% MOF loading by weight while maintaining minimal breathing resistance.

Laboratory validation using dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) nerve agent simulant demonstrated breakthrough times exceeding 480 minutes at 1000 mg/m³ challenge concentrations, representing a 10-fold improvement over standard ASZM-TEDA carbon filters (45 minutes). Biological challenge testing with MS2 bacteriophage achieved >6 log reduction with no detectable penetration after 72 hours continuous exposure. Critical operational advantages include retention of 95% effectiveness across full military operating conditions (-40°C to 50°C, 0-95% relative humidity) compared to 30% retention for activated carbon at 80% humidity. Post-exposure analysis confirmed complete decomposition of captured chemical agents within 12 hours under ambient conditions, providing self-decontaminating properties absent in conventional systems.

Accelerated aging studies indicate operational shelf life exceeding 10 years with minimal performance degradation, doubling current filter longevity. The system maintains NIOSH-compliant breathing resistance while providing 72 hours of continuous protection versus 8-12 hours for existing technology, reducing logistical burden and enabling extended operations in denied areas. These performance characteristics position the advanced MOF filtration system as a force-multiplying technology for tactical CBR protection, offering enhanced survivability and operational flexibility for military personnel in contaminated environments.