Synthesis of Reactive Nanoparticles In Membranes

Nanostructured metals have become an important class of materials in the field of catalysis, optical, electronic, magnetic and biological devices due to the unique physical and chemical properties. The nanosized metals precipitated from solutions are extremely reactive due to the high surface energy, and they usually form aggregates without the protection of their surface. Therefore, immobilization of metal nanoparticles in polymer membrane (such as, cellulose acetate, PVDF, polysulfone, chitosan, etc,) media is important from the point of view of reactivity, organic partitioning, preventing loss of nanoparticles, and reduction of surface passivation. Another major advantage of having a polymer domain is that nanoparticles (without causing agglomeration) can be directly synthesized in the matrix. This presentation will include technology developments relating to direct synthesis (including “green chemistry” approaches) of iron and bimetallic nanoparticles in microfiltration membranes for environmental applications. The project has been funded by NIEHS , US. EPA, and DOE-KRCEE.