Formation and Reactivity of Nanoscale Corrosion Products

Sponsors: National Science Foundation CAREER Award; Luna Innovations

This research project focuses on characterization of the processes responsible for the formation and subsequent reactivity of the nanoscale (diameter < 40 nm) corrosion products that are ubiquitous in remediation schemes that employ granular iron (Fe0). We contend that nanoscale magnetite (Fe3O4) particles play an important, yet undocumented role in maintaining the longevity of these treatment processes. The exact function that these nanoscale products play is expected to be related to the elemental composition and microcrystalline structure of the iron substrate. To test this hypothesis, weI investigate the factors that dictate the formation and fate of these species in flow-through and batch studies.

The results from this study will provide an improved conceptual model of the phenomena responsible for contaminant remediation within granular iron systems. Additional tangible end products include (1) The development of a technique that couples atomic force microscopy with Raman microscopy for the in situ characterization of corroding metal surfaces. (2) An evaluation of the role that the microcrystallinity and inclusion content of the iron substrate plays in setting the reactivity of granular iron. (3) The quantification of the effect that a decrease in crystal size has on the reactivity of magnetite nanoparticles in contaminated environments. (4) An assessment of the potential utility of synthetic nanoscale magnetite particles for use in advanced groundwater remediation processes.

Presentations

Makus, K.E. and Vikesland, P.J. “ Reduction of Halogenated Groundwater Contaminants by Nano-Sized Magnetite ” 15th V.M. Goldschmidt Conference, Moscow, ID, May 20-25, 2005 (Abstract and Poster Presentation).

Vikesland, P.J. and Makus, K.E. “Reduction of Halogenated Groundwater Contaminants at Reduced Iron Surfaces,” ACS National Conference, Philadelphia, PA, August 22-26, 2004 (Manuscript and Oral Presentation).

Makus, K.E. and Vikesland, P.J., “ Iron Corrosion Product Identification Using Micro-Raman Spectroscopy,” 13th V.M. Goldschmidt Conference, Kurashiki, Japan, September 7-13, 2003 (Abstract and Oral Presentation).