Abstract
Instant reactions of Ag(I) on nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) were visualized with spherical-aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (Cs-STEM) integrated with X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. In particular, the rapid growth of pure silver nanoparticles on nZVI was captured with high-resolution STEM imaging. Dissolved silver ions are attracted to the negatively charged iron nanoparticles and quickly reduced to metallic silver on the defective and electron-rich iron surface. Small (∼1–2 nm) and highly reactive silver nanoparticles are formed along the long chains of nZVI. Results reinforce the applications of nZVI for rapid enrichment, complete separation, and recovery of precious metals such as Au and Ag from trace-level sources such as wastewater and demonstrate the potential of analytical electron microscopy for mapping pollutant reactions on the surface of nanoparticles.
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