Opportunity: CWA simulant decontamination via novel 1D photocatalysts

Opportunity Number:

DEVCOMSC-004

Opportunity Location:

Natick, MA

Opportunity Description:

This DTRA project seeks to understand the structure/function relationship between novel 1D lepidocrocite titania material and their photo- and non-photocatalytic reactivity towards organophosphates, simulants for chemical warfare agents. In situ Diffuse Reflectance Infared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) will be used with a custom-designed gas delivery system to study the surface reactivity of the materials in real time. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) will be used pre- and post-experiment to further characterize the materials. Candidiate will work closely with the collaborative teams at Drexel University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Opportunity Skill Set:

Majors: Chemistry, chemical engineering, material science, materials engineering, physics. Skillsets: analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, surcface chemistry, spectroscopy, instrumental analysis

Opportunity Host Facility

DEVCOM Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC)

Natick, MA and Orlando, FL

DEVCOM Soldier Center (SC) is located at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC) which was established in the 1950s in Natick, Massachusetts. Known locally as ‘Natick Labs’, it is deeply rooted in the area’s innovative academic and industrial Science & Technology (S&T) communities and is the lead organization for the Army’s Soldier Domain Technology. DEVCOM SC focuses on the Soldier and incorporates the latest innovations to maximize the Warfighter’s combat readiness, survivability, sustainability, mobility, combat effectiveness and field quality of life. Soldier Center is “The Science Behind the Soldier” as diverse groups of scientists and engineers provide the Army with innovative Science and Technology solutions to optimize the performance of our Soldiers. DEVCOM SC maintains and enhances core competencies such as Soldier Performance/Integration, Individual/Collective Protection, Material Science Fiber/Textile, Military Nutrition/Food Service Logistics, Aerial Delivery, and Army Training Technology that are relevant and critical to support the Soldier of today and tomorrow. We leverage cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum effects, autonomy, advanced energetics, and synthetic biology to give Soldiers the ability to see, sense, decide, and act faster than their adversaries. Our Simulation and Training Technology Division located in Orlando, FL continues the mission to develop, mature and transition innovative training and simulation technologies to maximize Soldier effectiveness and Warfighter readiness.

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