The assembly of macromolecules at the interface between non-polar liquids and water is an essential process for groundwater remediation. Technologies that utilize in situ dechlorination of toxic oils rely on the ability of large charged species to target oil-water interfaces. Polycarboxylic acids, such as humic acids, are molecules often encountered in these technologies. However, few studies have characterized the molecular level processes governing polycarboxylic acid adsorption to oil-water interfaces. This study examines the fundamental behavior of carboxylic acid-containing macromolecular systems at an oil/aqueous interface as a model for understanding key processes of in situ remediation. Vibrational sum frequency spectroscopy and interfacial tension measurements have been employed to investigate conditions under which these chemical species adsorb to and orient at the oil/aqueous interface. Results show that polycarboxylic acids have the unexpected ability to line up at the oil-water interface and that this assembly depends strongly on solution properties and macromolecular characteristics.

Falling in line for water remediation: Unique assembly of polycarboxylic acids at the oil-water interface

244th National Meeting (2012)

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