Effect of solution pH on aging dynamics and surface structural evolution of mZVI particles: H2 production and spectroscopic/microscopic evidence

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Fenglin Tang - , Ocean University of China, China West Normal University (Author)
  • Jia Xin - , Ocean University of China (Author)
  • Xilai Zheng - , Ocean University of China (Author)
  • Tianyuan Zheng - , Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Author)
  • Xianzheng Yuan - , Shandong University (Author)
  • Olaf Kolditz - , Chair of Applied Environmental Systems Analysis, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Author)

Abstract

A microscale zero-valent iron (mZVI)-based in situ reactive zone is a promising technology for contaminated groundwater remediation. Estimation of mZVI aging behavior after its injection into the subsurface is essential for efficiency and longevity assessments. In this study, batch tests were conducted to investigate the effect of initial pH on mZVI aging dynamics, as well as the formation and evolution of aging products over 112 days. Results indicated that mZVI aging accelerated with decreasing initial pH. Corrosion rates of mZVI particles under pH 6.0 and 7.5 were approximately two orders of magnitude higher than those observed at pH 9.0. The morphological, structural, and compositional evolution of mZVI particles in three systems (pH = 6.0, 7.5, and 9.0) were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In acidic and neutral solutions, a thick passivation layer with loosely and unevenly distributed aging precipitates was observed, and Fe3O4 was the final aging precipitate. Nevertheless, in alkaline solutions, minute aging precipitates were detected on the mZVI surface at 112 day. Characterization results suggested that mZVI was oxidized via the Fe0–Fe(OH)2–Fe3O4 route. These findings shed new light on mZVI aging mechanisms, particularly its physicochemical characteristics and the structural evolution of mZVI in field-scale groundwater remediation applications.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)23538-23548
Number of pages11
JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research
Volume24
Issue number30
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2017
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 28852962

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Aging products, Anaerobic corrosion, Corrosion rate, Hydrogen production, Microscale zero-valent iron (mZVI)