Modified titania nanotubes have been studied as powder decontaminants against sulphur mustard (HD), a deadliest chemical warfare agent. Decontamination reactions were carried out at room temperature (30 +/-2 degrees C) and monitored by gas chromatography and gas chromatography mass spectrometry techniques. Reactions displayed first order kinetics. HD underwent accelerated hydrolysis on Ag+-titania nanotubes when compared to Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Mn2+ and Ru3+-titania nanotubes depicting catalysis. Thiodiglycol, 1,4-oxathiane were observed to be major products formed except on Ru3+-titania nanotubes. Sulphur mustard sulphoxide formed on Ru3+-titania nanotubes indicating oxidative decontamination of HD. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V.