Nanoparticles For Water Treatment Research Articles

Dual-capable spinel cobalt oxide nanoparticles for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution and water contaminant removal.

This study investigates the synthesis and electrocatalytic performance of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and their role in water treatment as contaminant removal agents. Cobalt oxide nanoparticles are recognized as promising materials in electrocatalysis due to their tunable properties and nanoscale engineering potential. Here, fine cobalt oxide nanoparticles are synthesized using the sol-gel method followed by various sintering temperatures to achieve precise control over surface morphology, size, and shape. Characterization via high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) elucidates the impact of sintering temperature on nanoparticle properties. Thin film electrodes of cobalt oxide are fabricated using the doctor blade method and evaluated using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Among the tested sintering temperatures, cobalt oxide electrodes sintered at 600°C exhibit superior catalytic activity, demonstrating an overpotential of 258mV (vs RHE) at 10mAcm-2 current density and a Tafel slope of 17.33mV dec-1. Furthermore, these electrodes demonstrate excellent stability, maintaining OER performance for 10h in 1M NaOH electrolyte. Additionally, the role of cobalt oxide nanoparticles in water treatment is explored using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Experimental results reveal that lower sintering temperatures enhance the electrocatalytic properties of cobalt oxide nanoparticles, highlighting their potential contribution to sustainable energy and water treatment technologies. This work underscores the significance of cobalt oxide nanoparticles as dual-functional materials for advancing electrocatalysis and water purification applications, thus paving the way for the development of efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.

Fe2O3 Review: Nanostructure, Synthesis Methods, and Applications

Iron sand, which contains magnetite iron ore, exhibits unique magnetic properties when exposed to magnetic fields. Iron ore content, including ?-Fe2O3, FeTiO3, Magnetite (Fe3O4), and others, provides potential uses in various industries such as electronics, energy, chemical, ferrofluids, catalysts, and biomedicine. The location of the discovery of iron sand can affect its mineral characteristics and geological conditions. This research aims to develop innovative synthesis methods to produce hematite nanomaterials from iron sand. Nano-size hematite nanoparticles exhibit unique characteristics, including an increase in specific surface area that is beneficial in applications such as gas sensors, catalysts, lithium-ion batteries, and the manufacture of permanent magnets. Through a literature review, this article presents comprehensive insights into the characteristics of iron sand, variations in synthesis methods, and the structure of hematite nanoparticles. Applications of hematite nanoparticles in water treatment, catalysis, and energy storage are also detailed. This article is expected to contribute to the development of innovative nanomaterial technologies as well as explore the potential of iron sand resources for wider industrial applications.

Efficacy of Nanoparticles in Water Treatment

Nanoparticles have emerged as a promising tool in water treatment due to their unique physicochemical properties, such as high surface area, reactivity, and selectivity. The use of nanoparticles in water treatment can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of traditional water treatment processes, such as coagulation, flocculation, adsorption, and filtration. Nanoparticles can be functionalized with various surface chemistries, which enables their selective removal of specific contaminants, including heavy metals, organic compounds, and microorganisms. Nanoparticles can also be used as catalysts to promote the degradation of organic pollutants and disinfection of water. However, the use of nanoparticles in water treatment also presents challenges, such as potential toxicity to humans and the environment, and the need for effective nanoparticle recovery and disposal. Further research is needed to optimize the use of nanoparticles in water treatment and ensure their safe and sustainable application. This paper presents an overview of current trends in the utilization of Nanoparticles for water treatment/disinfection.

Assessment of the Decontamination and Disinfecting Potentials of C. Papaya Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles on Water and Wastewater Samples

The presence of organic, inorganic and biological pollutants in natural water supply are the major indices of water pollution. The application of green nanoparticles in water treatment is one of the promising ways of eradicating these pollutants and providing safe and quality water for domestic, agricultural and industrial purposes. Our research was intended to evaluate the decontamination and disinfecting potentials of C. papaya silver nanoparticles on water and wastewater samples. The green silver nanoparticles were formed using aqueous C. papaya leaf extract and characterized using standard nanotechnological techniques while decontamination and disinfecting potentials of the green silver nanoparticles were examined through physicochemical, heavy metal and bacteriological analysis. The results revealed the spectral and morphological profiles were in conformity with the characteristics of silver nanocrystals. There were significant reductions (P < 0.05) in physicochemical, heavy metal and bacterial qualities of the four water samples at higher (0.5 mg/L) and lower (0.25 mg/L) doses of the green silver nanoparticles and their decontamination and disinfection efficiencies were comparable to the positive control calcium hypochlorite. These findings suggest that C. papaya silver nanoparticles could be exploited in restoring the quality of water and wastewater.

Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles Mediated by Deep Eutectic Solvents and Their Applications in Water Treatment

The use of environmentally friendly deep eutectic solvents (DES) in green synthesis of different types of nanoparticles has garnered increasing interest in recent years. The application of these materials in water treatment, mainly by adsorption or degradation, is emerging as a sustainable alternative to conventional methodologies. However, the information about the green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using DES is dispersed in the literature. This review is focused on compiling and systematizing information regarding DES-mediated NP synthesis, the application of these NPs in water treatment, and future perspectives of these technologies. DES represent an excellent alternative to traditional solvents in NP synthesis due to their low toxicity, low cost, and being environmentally friendly. The possible NP surface functionalization with DES is also attractive as it plays a pivotal role in processes related to water treatment. Modification and synthesis of carbon nanotubes, graphene oxides, magnetic iron oxides, among others, for the adsorption and degradation of organic dyes, pharmaceuticals, metal ions, herbicides, pesticides, and other water contaminants found in recent literature are presented in this work. Finally, the possibility to control NP size and shape can be helpful in the design of new materials for a specific application.

Application of textile (PAN-based) activated carbon fibers decorated with silver nanoparticles in water treatment

Introduction: Water treatment deficit and poor health, hygiene and sanitation infrastructure can contribute to disease transmission by dissemination of contaminants and microorganisms. As an alternative, carbon-based materials coated with antimicrobial molecules have been proposed for water treatment, but few supporting data are available so far. Hence, this study investigates the potential use of PAN-based activated carbon fibers (ACF) decorated with silver nanoparticles in water treatment.Methods: Silver nanoparticles were incorporated into the material using a cheap and electroless method. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FEGSEM), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterized the whole material. The textile was mounted on a water filter prototype and had its capacity to remove bacterial (Escherichia coli) and fungal (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium funiculosum) cells evaluated. Composition and toxicity of the filtered water were determined.Results: Water filtered by Ag@ACF for 2 and 24 h contained 0.254 mg/L and 0.964 mg/L Ag, respectively. Ag@ACF filtering successfully removed E. coli, C. albicans, and A. niger from the suspensions, but not P. funiculosum. Treated water was non-toxic for Vero cells and Drosophila melanogaster, but toxic for Raphidocelis subcapitata. Ag@ACF showed efficient microbial elimination when applied in water treatment. Silver nanoparticles released in aqueous medium may be responsible for R. subcapitata toxicity. Future studies should be conducted to reduce silver nanoparticles release from the carbon fiber.

Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles against Selected Waterborne Bacterial and Yeast Pathogens.

The disinfection of wastewater using nanoparticles (NPs) has become a focal area of research in water treatment. In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs were synthesized using the microwave heating crystallization technique and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Qualitative well diffusion and quantitative minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests were conducted to determine the antimicrobial activity of ZnO NPs against selected waterborne pathogenic microbes. FTIR spectral studies confirmed that the binding of urea with Zn occurs through Zn–O stretching. XRD confirmed the crystallized identity in a hexagonal ZnO wurtzite-type structure. The formation of zones of inhibition and low MIC values in the antimicrobial analysis were indicative of the effective antimicrobial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles against the test microorganisms. The application of metallic nanoparticles in water treatment could curb the spread of waterborne microbial diseases.

The Use of Silver Nanoparticles in Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment and Recycling

The review paper deals with the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in water treatment and recycling systems and the presence of AgNPs in wastewater systems. In the water industry, AgNPs can be used in the water treatment process as new filter materials (layers applied to the membranes of various compositions) or as a gentle alternative to the existing drinking water disinfection (solar disinfection in combination with titanium). On the other hand, AgNPs also can be a certain risk to the ecosystem if they are released from such surface-treated materials or preparations into wastewater. The AgNPs, present in the wastewater, then penetrate to the wastewater treatment plants, where they can affect the treatment process itself, especially the sensitive biological nitrification process. Silver ions with antibacterial properties are effectively removed by wastewater treatment plants and no significant negative effect on the treatment process by higher concentrations of silver has been reported so far. With respect to the bioaccumulation capabilities of nanoparticles, it is important to focus primarily on assessing of the longer-term effects of AgNPs in the ecosystem and the aquatic environment.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol in Wastewater: A Mini Review

A major public health concern in many developing countries, including Nigeria, is the quality of their water supply. Everything a live entity does depends on water, a fundamental component of the biosphere. To ensure that water is safe for industrial and home use, it must be treated before consumption. However, phenolic compounds are found in our water bodies due to the polluted wastewater from industrial, agricultural, and home activities. Nature also has a role in their occurrence. These substances are poisonous and can cause long-term harm to both humans and animals. This paper reviewed research on the photodegradation of phenol utilizing nanoparticles in water treatment. This provides additional information and facts on cost-effective methods of treating wastewater and mineralizing phenol into valuable chemicals.

Biogenic Metallic Nanoparticles for Water Treatment and Purification: The State of the Art – a Review

Biogenic Metallic Nanoparticles for Water Treatment and Purification: The State of the Art – a Review

Cadmium removal by FeOOH nanoparticles accommodated in biochar: Effect of the negatively charged functional groups in host

Metallic oxide nanoparticles (NPs) anchored in biochar provide a promising measure forward into the scaled-up application of these NPs in water treatment, and reducing the size of the dwelled NPs is expected to boost the adsorption performance of biochar-based composites because of the size and surface effect. Nevertheless, it is still of great challenge to regulate the size of the impregnated NPs due to their intrinsic self-agglomeration caused by high surface energy. In this study, we fabricated the charged biochar (C-BC) bearing high-density negatively charged groups (i.e., carboxyl and hydroxyl groups) via HNO3 oxidization to load the model metal oxide FeOOH NPs. The average sizes of anchored FeOOH NPs were ultrasmall, ranging from 19.9 ± 1.5 to 3.1 ± 0.5 nm, and decreased with the increased amount of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in C-BC. Whether in batch adsorption or fixed-bed column setting, adsorption of Cd(II) onto the as-made composites was greatly enhanced by carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in carrier. The normalized adsorption capacities of Cd(II) by ferric mass of the loaded FeOOH were 499.9–724.9 mg/g-Fe, approximately 18.6–27.1 and 2.51–3.64 folds over the bulky FeOOH and FeOOH-impregnated biochar. Our study results should provide a significant reference on how to acquire highly efficient biochar-based composites for water decontamination.

Synthesis and application of maghemite nanoparticles for water treatment: response surface method

Synthesis and application of maghemite nanoparticles for water treatment: response surface method

Synthesis and Application of Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticles in Water Treatment, Environmental Remediation, Catalysis, and Their Biological Effects.

Present and past anthropogenic pollution of the hydrosphere and lithosphere is a growing concern around the world for sustainable development and human health. Current industrial activity, abandoned contaminated plants and mining sites, and even everyday life is a pollution source for our environment. There is therefore a crucial need to clean industrial and municipal effluents and remediate contaminated soil and groundwater. Nanosized zero-valent iron (nZVI) is an emerging material in these fields due to its high reactivity and expected low impact on the environment due to iron’s high abundance in the earth crust. Currently, there is an intensive research to test the effectiveness of nZVI in contaminant removal processes from water and soil and to modify properties of this material in order to fulfill specific application requirements. The number of laboratory tests, field applications, and investigations for the environmental impact are strongly increasing. The aim of the present review is to provide an overview of the current knowledge about the catalytic activity, reactivity and efficiency of nZVI in removing toxic organic and inorganic materials from water, wastewater, and soil and groundwater, as well as its toxic effect for microorganisms and plants.

Membrane process and Graphene nano-particles in Water treatment

The suspended and dissolved particles presented in the water and wastewater in the size of 1-1000 nm which is more toxic and it causes severe effects to the aquatic life and living organisms. Nanotechnology is the method, which is newly developed in this world, to remove the very tiny particles presents in the water as well as wastewater with the help of nano-particles. Many nano-particles were used to remove the toxic contents presented in water and wastewater such as heavy metal concentration, dyes and some of the virus and bacteria etc. Compared to various nano-materials, Graphene is the type of smart material which is derived from the graphite, most widely used in all industrial sectors for various purposes. This review paper discussed about the importance of graphene usage in water and wastewater treatment technologies in recent days.

Exploration of Bio-synthesized Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Pterolobium hexapetalum Leaf Extract by Photocatalytic Activity and Biological Evaluations

In the present investigation, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were efficiently synthesized by Pterolobium hexapetalum leaf extract. The synthesized CuO NPs were characterized by various spectral and microscopic techniques such as UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction investigation (XRD), and field emission-scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The UV–visible spectrum of CuO NPs exhibited maximum absorption at 274 nm and the FT-IR spectrum, the band appeared at 502 cm−1 for CuO NPs. XRD, TEM, and EDX studies confirmed the formation of CuO NPs, which were predominantly spherical in shape with the particle size 10–50 nm. The photocatalytic efficiency of the green synthesized CuO NPs was verified by the reactive black-5 dye within 2 h UV light irradiation which proved the photocatalytic activity of nanoparticles in water treatment. The biosynthesized CuO NPs was found to possess effective antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus (15 mm), Bacillus subtilis (15 mm), Escherichia coli (14 mm), and anticancer activity (human breast cancer cells:) with striking inhibitions and cell death and the apoptotic activity of MDA-MB-231 cell line through reactive oxygen species generation. Hence, the greener approach synthesis of CuO NPs may be used as a potential catalytic and chemotherapeutic agent.

Titania and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Coating with Polydopamine and Encapsulation within Lecithin Liposomes—Water Treatment Analysis by Gel Filtration Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection

The interplay of metal oxide nanoparticles, environmental pollution, and health risks is key to all industrial and drinking water treatment processes. In this work we present a study using gel filtration chromatography for the analytical investigation of metal oxide nanoparticles in water, their coating with polydopamine, and their encapsulation within lecithin liposomes. Polydopamine prevents TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles from aggregation during chromatographic separation. Lecithin forms liposomes that encapsulate the nanoparticles and carry them through the gel filtration column, producing an increase of peak area for quantitative analysis without any change in retention time to affect qualitative identification. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that demonstrates the potential application of lecithin liposomes for cleaning up metal oxide nanoparticles in water treatment. Encapsulation of graphene quantum dots by liposomes would allow for monitoring of nanoparticle-loaded liposomes to ensure their complete removal by membrane ultrafiltration from treated water.

Application of Taguchi robust design to the optimization of the synthesis of holmium carbonate and oxide nanoparticles and exploring their photocatalyst behaviors for water treatment

To optimize the chemical precipitation reaction between holmium and carbonate ions, and get to a simple and fast route for the synthesis of holmium carbonate nanoparticles, the Taguchi robust design was used. To this end the effects of different variables on the properties of the product were considered and the significance of each parameter in the determination of the physical properties of the produced holmium carbonate nanoparticles were further quantitatively evaluated through the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results of this study proved that the product prepared under the optimum values of the parameters has an average size of about 37 nm. Next the solid state thermal decomposition of the carbonate precipitate was performed to prepare nanosized holmium oxide particles of around 30 nm in size. Furthermore, the microstructure and composition of fabricated nanoparticles were assessed by different techniques, i.e., TEM, FE-SEM, FT-IR, XRD, and also UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Finally, the photocatalyst behavior of the prepared nanoparticles in water treatment was evaluated and the results confirm the potential of them for efficient elimination of organic pollutant.

Hierarchical Carbon Nanotube Membrane-Supported Gold Nanoparticles for Rapid Catalytic Reduction of p-Nitrophenol

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have attracted increasing attention as catalysts for pollutant degradation because of their unique reactivity. Direct use of gold nanoparticles in water treatment faces prohibitive challenges from nanoparticle aggregation and post-treatment separation. To prevent nanoparticles from aggregating and eliminate the need for separation, we affixed AuNPs on hierarchical carbon nanotube membrane (HCNM) that was approximately 50 μm thin with 10 μm × 10 μm openings as pores for water passage. HCNM was fabricated by growing vertically aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays on stainless steel mesh. Using p-nitrophenol (PNP) as model pollutant, we showed that in batch experiments HCNM-supported AuNPs retained 78% of their catalytic capability compared to suspended AuNPs. The slight reduction in reactivity was attributed to the blockage of part of the gold surface at the AuNP–CNT juncture. When the membrane was used in continuous flow-through operation, HCNM-supported AuNPs achieved 71% of the...

Magnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Application in Water Treatment

Magnetic separation is based on the exertion of a magnetic field to selectively collect the magnetic responsive materials. With the development of nanotechnology, magnetic separations based on nanomaterials have found various applications largely benefited from the size effect and synthetic advancement in their preparation. In this review the synthetic methods for the preparation of magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles including co-precipitation, hydrothermal and solvothermal synthesis, microemulsion, and sonochemical hydrolysis are discussed. Problems related to the nanoparticle preparation such as broad size distribution, easy aggregation and difficulties in surface functionalization are summarized and directions for improvement are pointed out. Furthermore, a summary on the application of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in water treatment is given including heavy metal ions removal, residue pesticide determination and removal, absorption of toxic water soluble molecules, and oily water treatment, and their new application potential is addressed specifically as a novel draw agent for forward osmosis. Finally, the perspectives and problems related to the application of iron oxide nanoparticles in water treatment are given. This review is of interest to both nanomaterial research scientists and water treatment engineers Keywords: Magnetic nanoparticle, Fe3O4, synthesis, application, water treatment, forward osmosis, nanotechnology, bioanalysis, nanoparticles, maghemite (Fe2O3), Fe-Cu solid solution, Micro-emulsion, cyclohexane, sonicating duration, silanization

Magnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Application in Water Treatment

Magnetic separation is based on the exertion of a magnetic field to selectively collect the magnetic responsive materials. With the development of nanotechnology, magnetic separations based on nanomaterials have found various applications largely benefited from the size effect and synthetic advancement in their preparation. In this review the synthetic methods for the preparation of magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles including co-precipitation, hydrothermal and solvothermal synthesis, microemulsion, and sonochemical hydrolysis are discussed. Problems related to the nanoparticle preparation such as broad size distribution, easy aggregation and difficulties in surface functionalization are summarized and directions for improvement are pointed out. Furthermore, a summary on the application of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in water treatment is given including heavy metal ions removal, residue pesticide determination and removal, absorption of toxic water soluble molecules, and oily water treatment, and their new application potential is addressed specifically as a novel draw agent for forward osmosis. Finally, the perspectives and problems related to the application of iron oxide nanoparticles in water treatment are given. This review is of interest to both nanomaterial research scientists and water treatment engineers