Stability of nanowires in environmental aqueous solutions

Abstract

In presented in this paper studies, nanowires of pure metallic Fe, and one modified at the surface with iron oxide, Cu, and Ag layers were examined for its resistance in several environmental solutions (wastewaters, river water, and milk). Tests included investigations of the stability of nanowires in these solutions, and therefore their potential applicability as water filters, or food storage sensors, constituents of packages, etc. On the other hand, it shows its potential circulation in a human environment before final degradation. Nanowires were electrodeposited in the alumina oxide matrix and their diameter was determined by the pore size to be around 140 ± 20 nm. The length of nanostructures is adjustable by deposition time up to few μm. Nanowires physicochemical properties after treatment in mentioned solutions were measured by transmission electron microscopy, infra-red spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Solutions after the experiment were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Interaction with selected solutions shows that the highest concentration of Fe was found in milk and treated sewage and Ag only transfers to untreated wastewater and Cu was found in significant amounts in milk and untreated sewage. In addition, metallic layers prevent dilution of Fe core with the exception of two cases: untreated sewage with Ag shell, and milk with Cu shell.The durability tests of nanowires in environmental liquids and its resistance to real solutions as well as the dissolution was established. The indication of recycling processes of nanowires was achieved.