We have developed a new passive sampler for organic pollutants that relies on electrospun polymer nanofiber mats (ENMs). Due to their high surface area-to-volume ratio, ENMs exhibit a large sorption capacity. Uptake experiments in the aqueous phase indicate the time to reach equilibrium between ENMs and organic pollutants can be reduced to several days, which is significantly more efficient than comparable passive sampler materials. Further, an equilibrium partition coefficient of 4-log units can be achieved for most hydrophobic and many hydrophilic pollutants. ENM performance can be further enhanced through the development and application of polymer nanofiber composites (e.g., integration of functionalized carbon nanotubes), as well as through the use of surface chemical functionalization methods (e.g., integration of surface-segregating surfactants). Collectively, through their ease of fabrication and tunability, ENMs show promise as a next generation passive sampling material for a range of organic pollutants, with applications from sediments to surface water.

Development of a nanotechnology enabled passive sampling device for legacy and emerging organic pollutants

254th National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.