Micromotors Neutralize Chemical Weapons

Nov-07-13 A new self-propelled micromotor that uses bubbles to neutralize chemical weapons could replace the large machinery not always available in the field.

Chemical weapons are usually disposed of by mixing them with water and a caustic compound, such as peroxide. While this method is suitable for disposing of stockpiles of old chemical weapons in the US, it is less feasible in other countries, such as Syria.

The micromotor, developed by a team from the University of California, San Diego, is made up of a tiny conical tube with a layer of polymer on the outside and platinum on the inside. The motor is powered by hydrogen peroxide, which also functions as the oxidizing agent for the chemical weapon. As the hydrogen peroxide oxidizes, it creates oxygen bubbles that propel the microtubes forward while also mixing the hydrogen peroxide through the chemical weapon. This process takes less time and uses less peroxide than previous methods.

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[POPSCI.COM]
[WILEY]

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