NER: Nanoscale Size Effects on the Biogeochemical Reactivity of Iron Oxides in Active Environmental Nanosystems

本项目将研究活性环境纳米系统中关键生物地球化学过程的尺寸依赖性。由氧化铁纳米粒子和铁还原微生物组成的活性纳米系统影响自然生物地球化学循环，可以为改进环境修复技术提供基础。它将包括一个定量的动力学分析和表面配位的吸附物质的建模。该项目将侧重于纳米颗粒反应性的基本方面，将在三个相关主题上进行研究：(1)纳米赤铁矿对U（VI）和Fe（II）的吸附，(2)表面结合铁（II）对U（VI）的还原速率，以及(3)赤铁矿的生物和化学还原速率。拟议的研究将有助于各种领域，包括化学，地球化学和材料科学。项目负责人已经进行了一些初步实验，表明该项目成功的可能性很高。这三位pi在表面化学领域具有互补的专业知识和良好的资格。该项目具有很强的教育和推广成分，包括通过现有REU计划的本科生参与，以及通过NSF-STARS计划向高中推广。

0608749GiammarThis project will study the size-dependence of on critical biogeochemical processes in active environmental nanosystems. Active nanosystems comprised of iron oxide nanoparticles and iron-reducing microorganisms influence natural biogeochemical cycles and can provide the basis for improved environmental remediation technologies. It will include a quantitative kinetic analysis and modeling of surface coordination of adsorbed species. The project will focus on fundamental aspects of nanoparticle reactivity research will be conducted on three related topics: (1) adsorption of U(VI) and Fe(II) onto nano-hematite, (2) rates of U(VI) reduction by surface-bonded Fe(II), and (3) rates of biological and chemical reduction of hematite. The proposed research will contribute to a variety of fields, including chemistry, geochemistry, and material science. The PIs have conducted some preliminary experiments that indicate a high likelihood that the project will be successful. The three PIs have complementary areas of expertise and are well qualified in the area of surface chemistry. The project has a strong educational and outreach component, including participation of undergraduates through an existing REU program and outreach to high schools through the NSF-STARS program.