Iron Oxide-Based Nanocomposites for Removing 'Forever Chemicals' from Water

In this study, we present synthesis and characterization of nanocomposites that will be used for environmental remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, aka ‘forever chemicals’) via magnetic filtration.

PFAS are a group of fluorinated chemicals used in manufacturing due to their non-stick and fire-resistant properties. Their high chemical resistance results in accumulation throughout the environment, including the human body, causing adverse health effects.

We fabricated iron oxide coated with fluorinated porous oxidized silicon to make a nanocomposite (IOSiF) capable of adsorbing PFAS from water. Following PFAS capture, IOSiF can be removed with an external magnetic field.  

IOSiF were synthesized via thermal decomposition and chemical co-precipitation from iron oxide particles with a variety of sizes and shapes such as spheres, cubes, cubeoctahedra, rods, and octopods. We present results from characterization of IOSiFs via transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and magnetometry. Our aim is to determine if any property would change drastically with shape and size difference of the host particles.