| This work describes the design of surfactant formulations used to coat iron oxide nanoparticles and nanoparticles of zero-valent iron (NZVI) with the purpose of imparting colloidal stability and target delivery properties while maintaining the reactivity of NZVI. Iron oxide nanoparticles, although useful as an adsorbent for arsenic and other contaminants, were also used as a non-reactive homologue for the oxide shell structure of partially oxidized NZVI. NZVI can act as reducing agents to transform contaminants such as dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) into hydrocarbons and chlorides. Desirable NZVI properties for DNAPL remediation include colloidal stability, mobility in porous media, preferential affinity for contaminant zones (target delivery characteristics), and sustained reactivity with the chlorinated contaminants (for NZVI). |
