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Content archived on 2024-06-10

Superparamagnetic composite particles with specific surface modifications for the continuous separation of heavy metal ions from water (PARAMAGSEP)

Objective



Superparamagnetic composite particles (SPMC) are particles in a 'm- or sub 'm-range with embedded iron oxide nanoparticles. These composite particles are magnetised under the influence of a magnetic field, but lose their magnetisation when the magnetic field is switched off. The objective of this project is to develop a new continuous flow magnetic separation technology for the cleaning of waste water using the SPMC in order to remove hazardous heavy metal ions from waste water. Existing 'm-scaled iron oxide particles do not fit to this requirement due to their ferromagnetic behaviour with a strong and irreversible particle agglomeration and a loss of specific surface even in absence of a magnetic field. Existing nm-scaled particles can not be used due to their insufficient tendency to sedimentate in a low energy-magnetic field. The technical innovation claimed in this proposal is the development of surface-modified SPMC 's having nanoscaled iron oxide clusters in a silica matrix. The surface modification with metal ion-complexing agents results in a suspensable material which is able to function as a magnetic separation material with a variable selectivity and capacity for all hazardous heavy metal ions in waste water.

After complexation and separation of the ion-loaded SPMC the complex can easily be loosened by changing of pH. By this route the heavy metal ions are separated from waste water. The cleaned water can be reused, the separated heavy metal ions can be either disposed in a highly concentrated form or they can be recovered by different state-of-the-art-techniques (e.g. electrodeposition). The general approach for the material and process development is the use of wet chemical routes for the synthesis and processing of nm- or 'm-scaled particles and stabilised suspensions, based on the basis technologies for the preparation and surface modification, being available at partner INM. INM has already made such SPMC with a size of 250 nm - 2 'm. EA Technology will develop a continuous flow bench scale testing unit, providing inputs for the optimisation of SPMC by INM. The project will end up in the continuous flow unit with complexation, separation, decomplexation and recovering or recycling of raw materials. The results of the project will be used by HIMTECH, IET, AML Limited and Carlow Radiators Ltd. to improve the effectiveness of their own waste treatment procedure and to improve the environmental aspects of this technology by recycling or recovering of raw materials. Brite Euram areas are: 1.2 2.1 and 2.4 in the fields of A08, B34, C44 and D35.

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Coordinator

Institut für Neue Materialien gem. GmbH
EU contribution
No data
Address
Im Stadtwald
66123 Saarbrücken
Germany

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Total cost

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Participants (5)

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