Abstract
M.Sc. (Nanoscience)
Supported bimetallic Fe/Ni nanoparticles have been used for years as catalysts for the dechlorination of organochlorine compounds in ground water remediation. However, their fate and potential harm to the environment is of concern, hence, ways of reducing these negative aspects are being explored. As a way to solve this problem, catalytic nanoparticles are immobilised on a variety of substrates ranging from membranes, clays, silica, etc.
In the current effort, the immobilisation of Fe/Ni bimetallic nanoparticles on electospun cellulose-based nanofibers was examined with the ultimate view to apply the materials for dechlorination studies. Fe/Ni bimetallic nanoparticles were anchored on ligand-functionalised cellulose nanofibers by the successive reduction of Fe(II) and Ni(II) ions from their respective solutions using NaBH₄...