Method to Encapsulate Metal Organic Frameworks with Polymers to form Highly Porous Microbeads

A method for encapsulating a catalyst with a polymer for protection against chemical warfare agents comprising the steps:

• a) generating a catalyst, wherein the catalyst absorbs and neutralizes toxic materials;
• b) dispersing the catalyst in a hydrocolloid solution, thereby forming a catalyst-hydrocolloid slurry;
• and,
• c) spraying the catalyst-hydrocolloid slurry through a spraying nozzle and into a gelling solution comprising a gelling agent.

A method for encapsulating MOFs with polymers for use in textiles, the steps comprising:

• a) generating a catalyst, wherein the catalyst is reactive with nerve and blister chemical warfare agents;
• b) dispersing the catalyst in a hydrocolloid solution, thereby forming a catalyst-hydrocolloid slurry;
• c) spraying the catalyst-hydrocolloid slurry through a spraying nozzle and into a gelling solution comprising a gelling agent;
• d) collecting and drying a plurality of polymer-encapsulated catalysts from the gelling solution, wherein each polymer-encapsulated catalyst has a diameter of 100-800 μm;
• and,
• e) adhering the plurality of polymer-encapsulated catalysts to a textile such that the textile retains its flexibility, and such that the textile can be assembled into a wearable suit or garment, wherein the wearable suit or garment protects a wearer in an environment contaminated with nerve and blister chemical warfare agents.