Enhancing Nanoparticle Dispersion through Surface Modification using Biopolymers
Investigator: Achintya N. Bezbaruah(PI)
Project sponsors: National Science Foundation (09/2011-08/2014)
This research was inspired by the need to understand the science involved in the development of low-impact polymers to coat nanoscale particles for groundwater remediation. Combinatorial chemistry methods was used to modify a number of plant-based biopolymers and their structure-property relationships was studied to understand colloidal stability of polymer coated nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI). Contaminant treatability, aquifer injectability, and biodegradation of the coated NZVI (CNZVI) was studied as complementary to the polymer structure-property relationship study. The results obtained from the experiments have led to the design of the best possible architecture for biopolymers to coat NZVI. The overall objective of this research was to study the impacts of manipulation of the biopolymer functional groups on dispersion, contaminant degradation, transport behaviors, and biodegradability of the CNZVI. The specific research objectives were to (1) Study the polymer structure-property relationships to optimize the polymer compositions so that biopolymers can be modified to achieve high colloidal stability of CNZVI; (2) Examine the various geochemical and physical factors impacting effectiveness of CNZVI for environmental contaminant removal; (3) Examine the ease of application/injection of CNZVI into the aquifer for groundwater remediation; and(4) Test biodegradability of the modified biopolymer coating. The educational component of this project aimed at: (1) creating awareness among middle/high school students about the emerging frontiers in nanotechnology with special emphasis on the environment; (2) promote engineering education among students with disabilities, Native American, female, first generation American, and other middle/high school students; and (3) provide nanotechnology research experience to underrepresented students at high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels. One REU site, one RET site, and one VRS site were established with supplementary grants from NSF.
