Introduction

This invention concerns a method for the ecompatible and inexpensive synthesis of zerovalent bimetallic nanomaterials. The synthesis is carried out by chemical reduction of metal salts and is promoted by the pre-reduction of a noble metal salt in catalytic concentrations. The method employs inexpensive and non toxic reductants, and does not need the use of degassed water and modified atmosphere.

Technical features

CoMET is an innovative method to produce micro and nanomaterials composed of zerovalent transition metals (e.g. iron). The synthesis is carried out in aqueous environment by chemical reduction of metal salts using inexpensive and ecocompatible reductant agents. The addition of a noble metal in catalytic concentrations promotes the reduction of the transition element and makes the synthesis possible also in simplified operating conditions (i.e. no need of degassed water or modified atmosphere). This method produces bimetallic particles (transition metal + traces of noble metal) that have superior capabilities to the monometallic materials (e.g. higher reaction rates, bactericidal properties).The main field of application of the invention is the synthesis of zerovalent iron nanoparticles for the remediation of contaminated groundwater and wastewater.

Possible Applications

• Synthesis of zero-valent iron particles;
• Synthesis of noble metal particles with magnetic properties;
• Remediation of contaminated sites;
• Waste-water treatment in reactive tanks or with permeable reactive filters;
• Thin film production for supported catalysts and/or electrodes.

Advantages

• Process with low environmental impact;
• Simple operative condition;
• Lower running costs than conventional systems;
• Better performances than mono-metallic materials.