Research Highlights

Nanotechnology—One Tool in ‘Green Chemistry’ Research

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Innovative NRMRL researchers who specialize in ‘greener’ chemistry approaches are focusing on nanotechnology, a method that allows materials to be developed at the nanoscale, i.e., at one-billionth the size. Because of its unique ability to vastly increase the ratio of surface area to volume, nanotechnology is particularly promising in a surface-based science such as catalysis, i.e., the acceleration of chemical reactions. Nanoparticles offer large surface areas that lead to an increase in adsorption and catalytic reactions.

Green chemistry focuses on the development of benign catalysts as replacements in many conventional chemical processes that use heavy metals and strong acids. In the chemical, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries, for example, there is a need for processes that are solvent free and use cleaner oxidants such as air, ozone, or hydrogen peroxide, that can also be performed in one, or few, energy-saving steps. Nanostructured oxidation technology not only promises to reduce pollution through less-toxic processes, it also has the potential for significant cost savings through energy conservation and reduction of wastes.

Currently, NRMRL researchers are developing a catalytic process that could potentially save the pulp and paper industry millions of dollars annually by converting air pollutants into value-added products.  In tests, this ozone-based catalytic process, which uses energy-saving temperatures below 250 degrees C., removed odorous airborne pollutants and converted methanol in the waste stream to non-toxic methyl formate. The nanostructured catalyst process was not contaminated by the sulfur compounds and high concentrations of water in the waste stream.

Nanotechnology is one of a variety of green chemistry approaches that have the potential for environmental sustainability through pollution prevention, treatment, and remediation. For further information about green chemistry and engineering research, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/std/cppb/greenchem/greenchemaot.htm.

Contact:

Jane Ice, NRMRL  Public Information Office at 513-569-7311.

New NRMRL Publications

EPA Report

Huling, S.G. and B. Pivetz.  2007.  “In-situ Chemical Oxidation.”  U.E. EPA, Washington, D.C.  EPA/600/R-06/072.

Journal Article

Arnone, R. and  J. Walling. 2007.  “Waterborne Pathogens in Urban Watersheds,”  Journal of Water and Health. 5, 1: 149-162.