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Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecular Colloids
Published on: April 22, 2016
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Sponge-supported synthesis of colloidal selenium nanospheres
Snober Ahmed1, John Brockgreitens, Ke Xu
1Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN 55108-6005, USA.
Nanotechnology
|October 26, 2016
Summary
A novel method rapidly synthesizes selenium nanospheres (SeNS) using a sponge matrix. This approach ensures long-term stability and offers high yield for SeNS, demonstrating their potential in mercury capture applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Selenium nanospheres (SeNS) have growing biomedical and engineering uses.
- Current synthesis methods (biosynthesis, wet chemical reduction) have limitations in size, yield, time, and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient method for rapid synthesis and long-term preservation of SeNS.
- To explore the application of SeNS in mercury capture from contaminated water.
Main Methods:
- Combined mild hydrothermal process with chemical reduction.
- Utilized a natural sponge as a 3D matrix for nanoparticle growth.
- Investigated SeNS stability and mercury removal capacity.
Main Results:
- Achieved rapid synthesis (1 hour) of highly monodisperse SeNS (10-1000 nm) with high yield.
- Demonstrated remarkable long-term stability of SeNS stored on the sponge matrix for over eight months.
- Showcased SeNS's high mercury removal capacity (1900 mg g⁻¹).
Conclusions:
- The novel sponge-supported method offers an efficient route for SeNS synthesis and preservation.
- SeNS show significant promise for environmental remediation, particularly in mercury capture.
