Impact/Purpose:

A novel nanostructured catalyst containing zerovalent iron nanoparticles encapsulated in silica nanoshells is described. This nanocomposite offers a tremendous range of applications since the silica nanoshells can be functionalized to make the composite stable in aqueous or organic media. The hypothesis is that the nanocomposites will prove effective in the catalytic breakdown of halogenated compounds such as trichloroethylene (TCE).

Description:

The investigators have developed multifunctional particles that involve important elements of a successful technology to remediate TCE.

The following are key aspects of the technology that distinguish it from other existing technologies:

1. Relatively fast reaction without the addition of Pd.
2. Particle sizes are in the size range for optimal mobility through sediments.
3. The use of carbons in the technology allows us to soak up solution TCE and bring the contaminants to the site of ZVI.
4. The carbons can be stabilized in solution through the addition of CMC
5. The particles may be designed with sufficient hydrophobicity to partition to bulk TCE phases.
6. The particles are inexpensive and should be environmentally innocuous.
7. The materials may be easily translated into reaction barrier technologies.

URLs/Downloads:

2006 Progress Report

2008 Progress Report

Final Progress Report

Record Details:

Record Type:PROJECT( ABSTRACT )

Start Date:08/01/2005

Completion Date:07/31/2008

Record ID: 135517

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Related Organizations:

Role :OWNER

Organization Name :TULANE UNIVERSITY

Mailing Address :6823 St Charles Ave

Citation :New Orleans

State :LA

Zip Code :70118

Project Information:

Approach :

The technical approach combines the simplicity and affordability of the sol-gel processing techniques for ceramic synthesis with the efficiency and spontaneity of surfactant/silica cooperative assembly to manufacture nanostructured catalysts using a simple aerosol processing technique. By incorporating iron precursors, we are able to fabricate hollow silica shells containing zerovalent iron nanoparticles. The porosity of these composites can be adjusted. These composites will be chemically functionalized and their efficacy in the catalytic breakdown of a model DNAPL (trichloroethylene, TCE) will be studied. The research will involve batch experimentation and column elution experiments.

Cost :$320,000.00

Research Component :Hazardous Waste/Remediation

Approach :

The technical approach combines the simplicity and affordability of the sol-gel processing techniques for ceramic synthesis with the efficiency and spontaneity of surfactant/silica cooperative assembly to manufacture nanostructured catalysts using a simple aerosol processing technique. By incorporating iron precursors, we are able to fabricate hollow silica shells containing zerovalent iron nanoparticles. The porosity of these composites can be adjusted. These composites will be chemically functionalized and their efficacy in the catalytic breakdown of a model DNAPL (trichloroethylene, TCE) will be studied. The research will involve batch experimentation and column elution experiments.

Cost :$320,000.00

Research Component :Nanotechnology

Project IDs:

ID Code :GR832374

Project type :EPA Grant