MOBILITY OF NANOFLUIDS IN POROUS MEDIA

摘要

The overall scientific objective of the proposed work is a deeper understanding of nanoparticles(NP)activity and fate in porous media(e.g. stability,transport,agglomeration,reactivity)so that the in situ pollutant remediation efficiency in soils and groundwater is maximized,and the most efficient nanofluids for pilot-scale studies are suggested. Stable nanofluids will be developed by modifying the surface of zero valent iron nanoparticles(nZVI)with adequately selected coatings(e.g. polyelectrolytes)that optimize their colloidal stability,longevity and reactivity. Protocols are developed for the encapsulation of nanofluids in nanoliposomes which are commonly used in drug delivery and are now tested as vehicles for the safe delivery of NP throughout the pore space of a glass-etched pore network and hydrophobic pollutant(n-C_(12))targeting. In order to assess the capacity of nanoliposomes to break-up and release NP during their travel through the porous medium,a fluorescent dye(calcein)is entrapped in liposomes and its concentration breakthrough curves are measured under varying conditions of flow velocity,liposome concentration,and liposome membrane integrity.