Persistent arsenate-iron(iii) oxyhydroxide-organic matter nanoaggregates observed in coal

A review on multi-synergistic transition metal oxide systems towards arsenic treatment: Near molecular analysis of surface-complexation (synchrotron studies/modeling tools)

The science and interface chemistry between the arsenic (As) anions and the different adsorbent systems have been gaining interest in recent years in environmental remediation applications. Metal-oxides and the corresponding hybrid systems have shown promising performance as novel adsorbents in various treatment technologies. The abundance, surface chemistry, high surface area (active-centres), various synthesis and functionalization methodologies, and good recyclability make these metal oxide-based nanomaterials as potential remediating agents for As oxyanions. This work critically reviews eight different platforms focused on the arsenic contamination issue, where the first classification describes the origin of arsenic contamination and presents geographical and demo-graphical considerations. The following section briefs the state-of-the-art remediation techniques for arsenic treatment with a comparative evaluation. An emphasized discussion has been provided regarding the adsorption and classification of various metal oxide adsorbents. In the next classification, various multi-synergism abilities like Redox activity, Surface functional groups, Surface area/morphology, Heterogeneous catalysis, Reactive oxygen species, Photo-catalytic/electro-catalytic reactions, and Electrosorption are detailed. The classification of various characterization tools for accessing the arsenic remediation qualitatively and quantitatively are given in the fifth chapter. The first-of-its-kind dedicated analysis has been given on the surface complexation aspects of the arsenic speciation onto various metal adsorbent systems using synchrotron results, surface-complexation modeling, and molecular simulation (e.g., DFT) in the sixth chapter. The current sensing applications of these novel nano-material systems for arsenic determination using colorimetric and electrochemical-based analytical tools and a note about the economic parameters, i.e., regeneration aspects of various adsorbent systems/the sustainable applications of the treated sludge materials, are provided in the final sections. This work makes a critical analysis of 'Environmental Nanotechnology' towards 'Arsenic Treatment'.

Iron Vacancy Accelerates Fe(II)-Induced Anoxic As(III) Oxidation Coupled to Iron Reduction

Chemical oxidation of As(III) by iron (Fe) oxyhydroxides has been proposed to occur under anoxic conditions and may play an important role in stabilization and detoxification of As in subsurface environments. However, this reaction remains controversial due to lack of direct evidence and poorly understood mechanisms. In this study, we show that As(III) oxidation can be facilitated by Fe oxyhydroxides (i.e., goethite) under anoxic conditions coupled with the reduction of structural Fe(III). An excellent electron balance between As(V) production and Fe(III) reduction is obtained. The formation of an active metastable Fe(III) phase at the defective surface of goethite due to atom exchange is responsible for the oxidation of As(III). Furthermore, the presence of defects (i.e., Fe vacancies) in goethite can noticeably enhance the electron transfer (ET) and atom exchange between the surface-bound Fe(II) and the structural Fe(III) resulting in a two time increase in As(III) oxidation. Atom exchange-induced regeneration of active goethite sites is likely to facilitate As(III) coordination and ET with structural Fe(III) based on electrochemical analysis and theoretical calculations showing that this reaction pathway is thermodynamically and kinetically favorable. Our findings highlight the synergetic effects of defects in the Fe crystal structure and Fe(II)-induced catalytic processes on anoxic As(III) oxidation, shedding a new light on As risk management in soils and subsurface environments.

Efficient and Durable Sodium, Chloride-doped Iron Oxide-Hydroxide Nanohybrid-Promoted Capacitive Deionization of Saline Water via Synergetic Pseudocapacitive Process

Recently, the rational design and development of efficient faradaic deionization electrodes with high theoretical capacitance, natural abundance, and attractive conductivity have shown great promise for outstanding capacitive deionization (CDI)-based desalination applications. Herein, the construction of novel FeOOH hybrid heterostructures with Na and Cl dopants (e.g., Na-FeOOH and Cl-FeOOH) via a robust hydrothermal strategy is reported, and an asymmetric CDI cell (Na-FeOOH//Cl-FeOOH) comprising Na-FeOOH and Cl-FeOOH working as the cathode and anode, respectively, is assembled. The multiple coupling effects of the specific structural features (e.g., enriched porosity, hierarchical pore alignment, and highly open crystalline framework), enhanced electrochemical conductivity, and optimized ion-transfer property endow the FeOOH hybrid electrode with improved electrochemical performance. Impressively, the Na-FeOOH//Cl-FeOOH cell demonstrates a superior salt adsorption capacity (SACNaCl ) of 35.12 mg g-1 in a 500 mg L-1 NaCl solution, a faster removal rate, and remarkable cycling stability. Moreover, the pseudocapacitive removal mechanism from the synergetic contribution of the Na-FeOOH cathode and Cl-FeOOH anode account for the significant desalination promotion of the Na-FeOOH//Cl-FeOOH cell.