Visualizing Arsenate Reactions and Encapsulation in a Single Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticle.

Title Visualizing Arsenate Reactions and Encapsulation in a Single Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticle.
Authors L. Ling; W.X. Zhang
Journal Environ Sci Technol
DOI 10.1021/acs.est.6b04315
Abstract

A nanostructure-based mechanism is presented on the enrichment, separation, and immobilization of arsenic with nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI). The As-Fe reactions are studied with spherical aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (Cs-STEM). Near-atomic resolution (<1 nm(3)) electron tomography discovers a thin continuous layer (23 ± 3 Å) of elemental arsenic sandwiched between the iron oxide shell and the zerovalent iron core. This points to a unique mechanism of nanoencapsulation and proves that the outer layer, especially the Fe(0)-oxide interface, is the edge of the As-Fe reactions. Atomic-resolution imaging on the grain boundary provides strong evidence that arsenic atoms diffuse preferably along the nonequilibrium, high-energy, and defective polycrystalline grain boundary of iron oxides. Results also offer direct evidence on the surface sorption or surface complex formation of arsenate on ferric hydroxide (FeOOH). The core-shell structure and unique properties of nZVI clearly underline rapid separation, large capacity, and stability for the treatment of toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, arsenic, and uranium.

Citation L. Ling; W.X. Zhang.Visualizing Arsenate Reactions and Encapsulation in a Single Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticle.. Environ Sci Technol. 2017;51(4):22882294. doi:10.1021/acs.est.6b04315

Related Elements

Arsenic

See more Arsenic products. Arsenic (atomic symbol: As, atomic number: 33) is a Block P, Group 15, Period 4 element with an atomic radius of 74.92160. Arsenic Bohr ModelThe number of electrons in each of arsenic's shells is 2, 8, 18, 5 and its electron configuration is [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p3. The arsenic atom has a radius of 119 pm and a Van der Waals radius of 185 pm. Arsenic was discovered in the early Bronze Age, circa 2500 BC. It was first isolated by Albertus Magnus in 1250 AD. In its elemental form, arsenic is a metallic grey, brittle, crystalline, semimetallic solid. Elemental ArsenicArsenic is found in numerous minerals including arsenolite (As2O3), arsenopyrite (FeAsS), loellingite (FeAs2), orpiment (As2S3), and realgar (As4S4). Arsenic has numerous applications as a semiconductor and other electronic applications as indium arsenide, silicon arsenide and tin arsenide. Arsenic is finding increasing uses as a doping agent in solid-state devices such as transistors.

Iron

See more Iron products. Iron (atomic symbol: Fe, atomic number: 26) is a Block D, Group 8, Period 4 element with an atomic weight of 55.845. The number of electrons in each of Iron's shells is 2, 8, 14, 2 and its electron configuration is [Ar] 3d6 4s2. Iron Bohr ModelThe iron atom has a radius of 126 pm and a Van der Waals radius of 194 pm. Iron was discovered by humans before 5000 BC. In its elemental form, iron has a lustrous grayish metallic appearance. Iron is the fourth most common element in the Earth's crust and the most common element by mass forming the earth as a whole. Iron is rarely found as a free element, since it tends to oxidize easily; it is usually found in minerals such as magnetite, hematite, goethite, limonite, or siderite.Elemental Iron Though pure iron is typically soft, the addition of carbon creates the alloy known as steel, which is significantly stronger.

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