Effects of humic acid and electrolytes on photocatalytic reactivity and transport of carbon nanoparticle aggregates in water

Water Res. 2012 Sep 1;46(13):4053-62. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2012.05.018. Epub 2012 May 18.

Abstract

The effects of naturally occurring macromolecules such as humic acid (HA) and electrolytes on four fullerene nanoparticle suspensions (i.e., C(60), C(60)(OH)(24), single- and multiwall carbon nanotubes) were explored with respect to: (1) characteristics of nanoparticle aggregates, (2) transport of the aggregates through a silica porous media, and (3) production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the photosensitized fullerene aggregates. The presence of HA and salts increased the size of aggregates and relative hydrophobicity associated with transport through silica beads, while decreasing ROS production. These data illustrate the importance that transformation of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) through interactions with aquatic solutes may have in altering the environmental behavior of nanomaterials.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Catalysis / drug effects
  • Diffusion / drug effects
  • Electrolytes / chemistry*
  • Electrolytes / pharmacology
  • Humic Substances*
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Models, Chemical
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / ultrastructure
  • Photochemical Processes / drug effects
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / chemistry
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Electrolytes
  • Humic Substances
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Water
  • Silicon Dioxide