Influence of humic acid on the aggregation kinetics of fullerene (C60) nanoparticles in monovalent and divalent electrolyte solutions

Chen, KL; Elimelech, M

HERO ID

597391

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2007

Language

English

PMID

17331529

HERO ID 597391
In Press No
Year 2007
Title Influence of humic acid on the aggregation kinetics of fullerene (C60) nanoparticles in monovalent and divalent electrolyte solutions
Authors Chen, KL; Elimelech, M
Journal Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
Volume 309
Issue 1
Page Numbers 126-134
Abstract The early stage aggregation kinetics of fullerene C60 nanoparticles were investigated in the presence of Suwannee River humic acid and common monovalent and divalent electrolytes through time-resolved dynamic light scattering (DLS). In the absence of humic acid, the aggregation behavior of the fullerene nanoparticles in the presence of NaCl, MgCl2, and CaCl2 was found to be consistent with the classic Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) theory of colloidal stability. In the presence of humic acid and NaCl or MgCl2 electrolytes, the adsorbed humic acid on the fullerene nanoparticles led to steric repulsion, which effectively stabilized the nanoparticle suspension. This behavior manifested in a dramatic drop in the rate of aggregation, an increase in the critical coagulation concentration (CCC), and an attained value of less than unity for the inverse stability ratio (or attachment efficiency) at high MgCl2 concentrations. While the increase in the nanoparticle stability was similarly observed in the presence of humic acid at low CaCl2 concentrations, enhanced aggregation occurred at higher CaCl2 concentrations. Measurement of scattered light intensities over time indicated significant aggregation of the humic acid macromolecules in solutions of high CaCl2 concentrations. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging of the fullerene aggregate structures in the presence of humic acid revealed that bridging of the fullerene nanoparticles and aggregates by the humic acid aggregates is the likely mechanism for the enhanced aggregation at high CaCl2 concentrations.
Doi 10.1016/j.jcis.2007.01.074
Pmid 17331529
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Nanoparticles; Fullerene; C60; Aggregation; Humic acid; DLS
Is Qa No