Knowledge of the surface acid–base properties of solids is essential for understanding their interface interactions with adsorbate of interest. Acid–base properties can be evaluated based on the amount and nature of molecular probe adsorbed on the solid. Pyridine, proton sponge, and phenol were selected as molecular probes based on their structure and/or acid-base properties and were used to measure acidity and basicity of nanometric zinc oxides. The latter were prepared via low-temperature decomposition of corresponding zinc 2-oximinocarboxylates and were successfully utilized to remove arsenic from drinking and wastewater. Quantitative analysis of molecular probes on the zinc oxide surfaces will be indirectly acquired using gas chromatography techniques and compared to an aluminum oxide surface with known surface properties. Obtained results will provide deeper insights on interface interactions between arsenic species and zinc oxide surfaces and reveal further details on effects of precursor ligand on these solids.

Influence of acid-base properties of zinc oxide nanomaterials on their arsenic uptake capacity

249th National Meeting (2015)

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