[Effect of Natural Organic Matter and Electrolytes on the Aggregation of C60 Nanoparticles in Aquatic Systems]

The ettect of natural organic matter (NOM) and electrolytes on the aggregation of G60 nanoparticles in aquatic systems was studied by using dynamic light scattering. The results showed that the concentration of C60 stable suspension prepared by toluene solvent-exchange method was about 20 mg x L(-1). The C60 nanoparticles in the suspension showed a high zeta potential and particle diameter was around 120 nm. Addition of simple electrolytes induced aggregation of C60 nanoparticles through acompressing electric double layer, which was consistent with the classic Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory of colloidal stability. The critical coagulation concentration (CCC) values of MgCl2 and CaCl2 were 9.6 and 6.7 mmol x L(-1). In presence of humic acid, the addition of NaCl and MgCl2 reduced the attachment efficiency and aggregation rate of C60 and increased CCCs. Humic acid enhanced the stability of C60 in water due to steric repulsion. However, the complexation reaction between Ca2+ and humic acid caused adsorption bridging with C60, which increased the aggregation rate and led to enhanced aggregation. This was identified as the primary mechanism of such enhanced aggregation behaviour. The aggregation and dispersion of C60 in water was influenced by the characteristics of organic matters, electrolyte species and other complex factors.