Polymer modified iron nanoparticles for environmental remediation

POLY 520

Sita Krajangpan, sita.krajangpan@ndsu.edu1, Laura Jarabek, laura.jarabek@ndsu.edu2, John Jepperson2, Bret J. Chisholm, Bret.Chisholm@ndsu.edu2, and Achintya Bezbaruah1. (1) Department of Civil Engineering, North Dakota State University, 1805 Research Park Drive, Fargo, ND 58102, (2) Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering, North Dakota State University, 1805 Research Park Drive, Fargo, ND 58102
Zero valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) have been successfully used for groundwater remediation. However, they react with non-target compounds including dissolved oxygen and water resulting in significant loss of reactivity before they reach the target contaminants. Additionally, particle agglomeration limits colloidal stability and reduces available reactive surface area. To overcome these limitations, novel amphiphilic polysiloxane graft copolymers (APGCs) were synthesized and investigated as a delivery vehicle for nZVI. A series of APGCs were successfully synthesized using a process that consisted of hydrosilylation of tert-butylacrylate and monoallyl-functional PEG to a polysiloxane copolymer containing hydride groups and subsequent hydrolysis of the tert-butylester groups. Treatment of nZVI with APGCs was found to enhance nanoparticle colloidal stability in water and the magnitude of the enhancement was a function of APGC chemical composition. The APGC possessing the highest concentration of carboxylic acid anchoring groups provided the highest colloidal stability.
 

Polymers for Remediation and the Environment
6:00 PM-8:00 PM, Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Division of Polymer Chemistry

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008