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Nanostructured Materials for Environmental Decontamination of Chlorinated Compounds

EPA Grant Number: GR832374
Title: Nanostructured Materials for Environmental Decontamination of Chlorinated Compounds
Investigators: Lu, Yunfeng , John, Vijay T.
Institution: Tulane University
EPA Project Officer: Savage, Nora
Project Period: August 1, 2005 through July 31, 2008
Project Amount: $320,000
RFA: Greater Research Opportunities: Research in Nanoscale Science Engineering and Technology (2004)
Research Category: Nanotechnology , Hazardous Waste/Remediation

Description:

Objective:

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).

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.

Expected Results:

The research will lead to a remediation technology where novel nanostructured supported catalysts are fabricated for efficient destruction of chlorinated organics. These nanostructured particles can be used in groundwater remediation technologies.

Publications and Presentations:

Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 4 publications for this project

Journal Articles:

Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 1 journal articles for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

zerovalent iron, trichloroethylene, DNAPL, aerosol, remediation.

 , Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Water, TREATMENT/CONTROL, Sustainable Industry/Business, Scientific Discipline, Waste, RFA, Remediation, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Environment, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Restoration, Technology, Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, New/Innovative technologies, nanotechnology, environmentally applicable nanoparticles, environmental sustainability, hazardous organics, zero valent iron nanoparticles, catalysts, groundwater, contaminated aquifers, aquifer remediation design, groundwater pollution, remediation technologies, reductive detoxification, groundwater contamination, DNAPL, TCE, reductive dechlorination, groundwater remediation, degradation rates, innovative technologies, pollution prevention, in situ remediation

Progress and Final Reports:
2006 Progress Report

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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