Ultrathin Zirconium Hydroxide Nanosheet‐Assembled Nanofibrous Membranes for Rapid Degradation of Chemical Warfare Agents

Organophosphorus‐based chemical warfare agents (CWAs) are highly poisonous, and recent attacks using nerve agents have stimulated researchers to develop breakthrough materials for their fast degradation. Zr‐based materials have been identified as the most effective catalysts for breaking down CWAs, but in their powdered form, their practical application in personal protective equipment is limited. Herein, a surface‐confined strategy for the direct growth of vertically aligned zirconium hydroxide (Zr(OH)4) nanosheets with ultrathin and tortuous structures on nanofibers is reported. The freestanding Zr(OH)4 nanosheet‐assembled nanofibrous membranes (NANMs) show superior catalytic performance to degrade dimethyl methylphosphonate, a nerve agent simulant, with a half‐life of 4 min. In addition, intriguing membrane‐type NANMs feature integrated properties of exceptional breathability, prominent flexibility, and robust fatigue resistance over one million buckling loads. This facile strategy provides a novel route to manufacture new classes of nanosheet‐supported membranes for chemical‐protective materials, in particular for gas filters, protective suits, and clothing. Highly flexible and freestanding nanosheet‐assembled nanofibrous membranes (NANMs) via the surface‐confined growth of ultrathin zirconium hydroxide nanosheets on nanofibers are fabricated for the degradation of chemical warfare agents. The resulting NANMs show superior catalytic degradation activity toward dimethyl methylphosphonate, with a half‐life of 4 min. Besides, the intriguing membrane‐type catalysts exhibited excellent breathability, high air permeability, and long‐term durability.