(454g) Reductive Dehalogenation of Trichloroethylene Using Aerosol-Assisted Fe/silica Nanoparticles

Nanoscale zero-valent iron (ZVI) particles are a preferred option for the reductive dehalogenation of trichloroethylene (TCE). However, it is difficult to transport these particles to the source of contamination due to aggregation. This study describes a novel approach to the preparation of ZVI nanoparticles that are efficient and effectively transported to contaminant sites. We describe the synthesis of silica-supported iron nanoparticles using aerosol technology. While the encapsulated iron nanoparticles are reactive for trichloroethylene remediation, environmentally benign silica particles serve as effective carriers for nanoiron transport. Aerosol silica particles with functional groups such as ethyl tails on the surface preferentially adsorb hydrophobic TCE during environmental remediation. This increases the local concentration of TCE in the vicinity of iron nanoparticles, thus promoting the degradation of TCE by iron. These iron/silica aerosol particles with controlled surface properties have the potential to be efficiently applied for in situ remediation and permeable reactive barriers construction.