Zero valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) have found application as catalysts and in environmental remediation.  We have developed an environmentally sustainable method of nZVI production using biochar from milo seed, Sorghum vulgare.  The milo seeds were charred and twice gasified to produce porous activated carbon (>500 m2/g).  The biochar was impregnated with iron(III) salts (citrate or nitrate) and the iron was reduced by carbothermal reaction.  The resulting nZVI were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).  TEM indicated that the iron nanoparticles ranged in diameter from 30 nm to 100 nm, depending upon the salt and preparation conditions.  We examined the ability of the carbon-supported iron nanoparticles to enhance bacterial denitrification.  Denitrification is an environmentally important process to decrease eutrophication from agricultural runoff.  Under anaerobic conditions, Pseudomonas aeruginosa reduces nitrate, and nZVI can act as an electron donor.

Zero valent iron nanoparticle (nZVI) preparation by a sustainable method and application in bacterial denitrification

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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