Synthesis of Stable Al(0) Nanoparticles in Water in the form of Al(0)@Cu and Sequestration of Cu2+(aq) with Simultaneous H2 Production

Abdul Malek, Edamana Prasad, Tiju Thomas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Copper contamination is a serious ecological and human health hazard. Therefore, a multifunctional/synergistic process, which sequesters Cu2+ while also providing additional functionalities (say a high-value nanoparticle and an energy source as byproducts) would be relevant. On the other hand, although several sophisticated methods have been utilized for the synthesis of Al nanoparticles (NPs); simple chemical synthesis of Al NPs, particularly in water, has not been explored due to its instability in the aqueous medium. In this work, a coreduction based sequestration of Cu2+ (aq) is demonstrated where Al3+(aq) and Cu2+(aq) are coreduced in copper-contaminated water. The outcome of the process is the formation of stable Al(0) nanoparticles and simultaneous sequestration of Cu2+(aq); this occurs along with production of hydrogen gas as a byproduct. Nanoparticle stability is likely due to the Cu coating on Al nanoparticles, resulting in the formation of Al(0)@Cu NPs. Hydrogen is produced as a byproduct at a rate of 550 mL/min per 0.5 g of both Al3+ and Cu2+ salts, leading to three benefits (stable Al(0)@Cu NPs formation, Cu2+ sequestration, and hydrogen production) from a single approach.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)10332-10339
Number of pages8
JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering
Volume7
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 17 2019
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • General Chemistry

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