Lehigh University Office of Technology Transfer is offering licenses for a series of patented and patent pending nano zero-valent iron (NZVI) nanoparticle solutions for environmental remediation of contaminated soil, groundwater and wastewater. The nanotechnologies were developed by Wei-xian Zhang.
Zhang, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, has devised and successfully tested a method of cleaning contaminated groundwater by using magnetic particles that are 1,000 times thinner than a human hair. These "nanoparticles," which are so small that 100,000 would fit on the head of a pin, are composed of 99.9 percent iron and less than 0.1 percent palladium, a catalyst. Their tiny size (100-200 nanometers in diameter), and their relatively large surface area in proportion to their volume, give them extraordinary reactive abilities and enables them to "chase" toxins through the groundwater.
When applied to water or soil contaminated with carcinogenic solvents, Zhang’s nanoparticles remove chlorine and convert the solvents to harmless hydrocarbons and chlorides commonly found in table salt. His approach is dramatically more effective than traditional cleanup methods that require water to be pumped out, treated, then disposed of. Zhang has received funding from the EPA for his project.
In the U.S. between 2004 to 2033, the cost to remediate 230,000 to 350,000 polluted sites, including many toxic superfund sites, is estimated to range from $175 billion to $250 billion according to the U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA).
Lehigh’s U.S. Patent 7,507,345 protects technology for environmental remediation that involves the preparation of dispersions of zero-valance nanoscale iron particles and one of soy protein, soy milk, or other soy derivative. The dispersions can be used to treat contaminated soil or water.
Dispersions can be injected directly into soil and groundwater for site remediation. Soy protein, a natural substance devoid of any known adverse environmental impact, can stabilize and enhance the mobility of the zero-valent iron particles in the subsurface environment.
Lehigh’s US Patent 7,128,841 describes a method for the treatment of wastewater. Zero valent iron particles having enhanced surface area are used to treat contaminated groundwater in-situ or above ground. Hollow and/or porous zero valent iron particles having a generally spherical shape and porous surface are produced using a sacrificial substrate and thermal treatment.
In US patent application 20070158275, Zhang discloses stable dispersions of zero-valent iron particles are produced by milling of micro- and nano-scale iron particles (colloids) in the presence of a dispersant or dispersants.
The invention is a process for preparing zero-valent iron suspensions which can be used directly at the source of the pollution, applied to deep aquifers, and spread over large areas of contaminated soil or water.
Parties interested in the technology should contact:
STATUS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
US Patent 7,507,345: Use of Soy Proteins or Soy Derivatives and Zero-Valent Iron for Environmental Remediation (Technology #: 082106-01)
US Patent 7,128,841: A Method for Treating Contaminated Water (Technology #:080603-01) A US patent application 20070158275: Dispersed Zero-Valent Iron Colloids (Technology #:031104-01)
