Porphyrin-Mediated Destruction of Nitro-Energetics

Oklahoma State University, Stillwater OK

Investigators

Abstract

This project augments the research agenda of the multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Engineering Logistics and Distribution. The research is to be performed for an Industry/Advisory Board member, the Defense Ammunition Center at the Oklahoma State University research site. Getting rid of outdated explosive material is not only hazardous and expensive but can represent a serious environmental problem. Using light to power prophin and/or phthaleyanine catalysts to destroy these outdated explosives offers an economic and environmental friendly solution. This research will study; 1. Identification of the degradation pathways, 2. Identificaiton of characteristics of different catalytic surfaces under various conditions 3. Determine the mechanism of energy and charge transfer from the photo-excited porphyrin catalyst to the acceptor molecule 4. Quantum mechanical computation of the structure and energy levels involved. 5. Design and fabrication of a small prototype solar reactor and later a pre-production unit, and 6. Design of sensors to monitor reactions.