Nano-Sized Zero Valent Iron and Covalent Organic Polymer Composites for Azo Dye Remediation

Having superior reductive properties and large surface areas, nanosized zero valent iron (nZVI) is ideal for the degradation of chemicals such as azo dyes and trichloroethylene (TCE). However, immobilization of nZVI is a key parameter in its effectiveness as a chemical degradation agent. In this study, the effect of various covalent organic polymers (COPs) as effective supporting materials for nZVI for optimal pollutant degradation was assessed. These COPs demonstrate promising results for the ability to adsorb and remove carbon dioxide, yielding the notion that they are capable of groundwater contaminant removal. Composites of nZVI impregnated within COPs of high surface areas exhibit effective ability to degrade azo dyes, up to 95%, over a 30-minute reaction period. Dye decolorization results were designated a precursor for effectiveness of pollutant decontamination; pollutants ranging in chlorinated organics, heavy metals, and various other groundwater contaminants.