Green synthesis of ultrapure La(OH)3 nanoparticles by one-step method through spark ablation and electrospinning and its application to phosphate removal

Shiyang Li, Xiangfeng Huang, Zhengyu Wan, Jia Liu, Lijun Lu, Kaiming Peng, Andreas Schmidt-Ott, Rabin Bhattarai

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

La(OH)3 metal engineered nanoparticles (MENPs) are efficient phosphate binders; however, complex synthesis procedures and purity as well as agglomeration issues impede their development and practical applications. Herein, a green and a one-step method in combination with the spark ablation aerosol technology and electrospinning is proposed for the synthesis of La(OH)3 MENPs; further, their application as phosphate binders are elucidated as a proof the concept. Material characterization results confirm the successful synthesis of ultrapure La(OH)3 MENPs, which has not been achieved before via an environmentally friendly one-step procedure. Small angle X-ray scattering and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy etching results show that La(OH)3 MENPs loading on the electrospun nanofibers are uniform in both two and three dimensions. The comparative tests revealed a high phosphate adsorption capacity (110.8 mg P/g La) and indicted that the La(OH)3 MENPs perform well; this was observed even under the interference of coexisting ions (Cl, SO42−, NO3, and F) at different pH values. After three cycles of solution-shaking treatment, the release of La(OH)3 was less than 1 wt% (0.5 wt%), which was acceptable for an adsorbent. These results indicate that the La(OH)3 MENP-loaded nanofibers are practical phosphate binders due to the simple production methods, low manufacturing cost, and impressive capacity. The proposed method significantly shortens the loading process and is a promising alternative for not only the synthesis of the adsorbent, but also for other engineering materials where loading is needed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number124373
JournalChemical Engineering Journal
Volume388
DOIs
StatePublished - May 15 2020

Keywords

  • Controllable particle sizes
  • Eutrophication
  • Gas-phase coalescence
  • Industrialization potential
  • La(OH) nanoparticles
  • Phosphorus removal

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Green synthesis of ultrapure La(OH)3 nanoparticles by one-step method through spark ablation and electrospinning and its application to phosphate removal'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this