A Simple Method for Removal of Carbon Nanotubes from Wastewater Using Hypochlorite
Minfang Zhang1, Yinmei Deng2, Mei Yang2
1National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565, Japan. m-zhang@aist.go.jp.
Scientific Reports
|February 6, 2019
Summary
A new method effectively removes carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from wastewater using sodium hypochlorite. This environmentally friendly approach degrades CNTs into harmless substances, offering a practical solution for industrial purification.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are increasingly used in various industries, leading to a rise in CNT-contaminated wastewater.
- Existing CNT removal methods are ineffective, posing environmental and health risks.
- Concerns about CNT toxicity necessitate efficient purification strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple and effective method for eliminating carbon nanotubes from industrial and laboratory wastewater.
- To address the environmental risks associated with CNT-containing effluents.
Main Methods:
- Aqueous dispersions of CNTs were treated with sodium hypochlorite solution.
- The degradation of CNTs was analyzed by observing their conversion into carbon oxides and carbonate ions.
Main Results:
- Sodium hypochlorite treatment completely degraded carbon nanotubes.
- The degradation products were identified as carbon oxides and carbonate ions.
- The method proved effective for purifying CNT-contaminated wastewater.
Conclusions:
- Sodium hypochlorite offers a practical and environmentally friendly solution for removing CNTs from wastewater.
- This method is suitable for both industrial and laboratory settings.
- The widespread use of sodium hypochlorite as a disinfectant makes this a readily implementable purification technique.
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