In order to better predict the aggregation state of nanomaterials, the factors that influence aggregation must be understood. The combined effects of natural and engineered coatings have been shown to factor into nanoparticle aggregation behavior in preliminary research. In this study, aggregation behaviors of gold nanoparticles with two different engineered coatings were investigated in the presence of the monovalent electrolyte KCl and the divalent electrolyte CaCl���. Aggregation studies were conducted using dynamic light scattering to determine the relative stability of the NMs in environments of varying ionic strength in the absence and presence of Suwannee River Natural Organic Matter (SRNOM). Coatings which provided primarily electrostatic stabilization were found to adhere closely to DLVO theory, while coatings which provided steric stability inhibited aggregation over a wide range of ionic strengths for both electrolytes. The presence of SRNOM was found to provide some electrostatic stability in the presence of KCl, but appeared to form agglomerates with calcium ions, especially at higher SRNOM concentrations. / Graduation date: 2013

An environmental friendly and simple approach to synthesis of Platinum (Pt), Palladium (Pd), Rhodium (Rh) and Osmium (Os) nanoparticles via gamma radiolysis is demonstrated. Herein, we report on the effect of gamma rays radiation on Platinum (Pt), Osmium (Os), Rhodium (Rh) and Palladium (Pd) salts solutions for synthesis of nanoparticles. Pt, Os, Rh and Pd salts solutions of different concentrations were exposed to intense gamma rays irradiation with doses varying from 70 to 120 kGy. The metal ion salt solutions were easily converted into metal nanoparticles (MNP) using radiolysis method. The radiolytic conversion effect produced MNP suspended in the solution. For Pt, Pd and Rh a metal coating on the edges of the polypropylene tube used as a container, was unexpectedly observed but not for the Os solution. Physical/chemical properties of γ-ray produced nanoparticles were reported. UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analyses confirmed that both the coating and the MNP correspond to the pure metal coming from the reduction of the initial salt. HRTEM analysis shows the particles size and particle distribution of the produced nanoparticles. Quantitative analysis of the XRD patterns shows information about the size and stress of the converted metals. The functional groups in the solvent are analysed by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The production of a metal coating on polypropylene plastic tubes by gamma-rays irradiation is presenting an interesting alternative to conventional techniques of metal deposition especially for coating the inner part of a tube. / Physics / D. Lit. et Phil. (Physics)

Most developing countries are faced with drinking water problems, with conditions becoming more severe due to water pollution. Meeting the growing demands for clean water in most countries, there are difficult challenges as the availability and supply of drinkable water are diminishing. Due to economic and environmental concerns, development of additional physical means for the removal of organic compounds from wastewater using permanent magnets, electromagnetic coils, electrodes and ultrasonic pretreatment is desirable. Improving the adsorption and separation process, magnetic field exposure method has progressively drawn consideration. Magnetic field exposure method has demonstrated its capacity for increasing the adsorptive elimination of contaminants from water as static magnetization is suitable, simple and cost-effective. The polypyrrole magnetic nanocomposite use for adsorption experiments influenced by exter-nal magnetic field was prepared using the in-situ polymerization method, which was charac-terized using TEM, SEM, EDX, XRD, BET, FTIR, VSM, and ESR spectrophotometers. The magnetic nanocomposite (PPy/Fe3O4) was observed to have an average particle size of 10 nm with the elementary composition of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, chloride and iron. The magnetic nanocomposite had a crystalline structure of face-centred cubic lattice of Fe3O4, an adsorption-desorption isotherm shape indicating a typical type-IV mesoporous material with a surface area of 28.77 m2/g. Characteristic peaks of Fe3O4 and PPy were also observed using FTIR spectro-photometer. From the VSM and ESR characterization, the synthesized superparamagnetic ma-terial was shown to have a saturation magnetization of 23 emu/g and an effective g-value of 2.25 g which was attributed to Fe3+ spin interaction. An enhanced removal of Cr(VI), fluoride and congo red dye were observed under the influence of magnetic field, with parameters like pH, adsorbent dosage, the initial concentration of ad-sorbate, magnetic field and magnetic exposure time been varied. The enhanced adsorption of contaminants using magnetic field is attributed to the increase in the magnetic field induced on the particles over a magnetic exposure time, resulting in the rotating particles forming aggre-gates due to the increased magnetic force and torque on the particles from the PSV results. This leads to increase in the chain collision and area of particle interaction with the aqueous solution of hexavalent chromium, fluoride and congo red dye. / Physics / Ph. D. (Physics)