Fe-nanoparticles dispersed carbon micro and nanofibers: surfactant-mediated preparation and application to the removal of gaseous VOCs

Abstract

This study describes the preparation of Fe nanoparticle-dispersed carbon microfibers (Fe-ACFs) and carbon nanofibers (Fe-CNFs) for the removal of gaseous volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Fe-ACFs were prepared by impregnating ACFs with Fe salts. Three different types of surfactants (cationic, anionic, or non-ionic) were used to achieve the segregation and monodispersion of Fe(III) ions in aqueous solutions. Fe(III) nanoparticles were produced on the ACF-surface after the calcination of Fe(III)-surfactant molecules which were transferred from the solution to the ACF during the impregnation-step. Fe-CNFs were prepared by the catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of benzene on the Fe-ACFs used as a substrate. Different analytical instruments were used to characterize the physicochemical properties of the prepared materials, including the loading and monodispersity of the Fe nanoparticles. The data showed that Fe nanoparticles of 8-nm average size were uniformly dispersed over the surface of the ACFs with a maximum loading of 0.68 mg/g when using SDS, an anionic surfactant. In this case, the relatively more uniform and dense growth of CNFs was observed. The prepared Fe-ACFs and Fe-CNFs were used to remove carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), a persistent gaseous VOC. The results of the study show an effective method for preparing surfactant-enhanced Fe nanoparticles and carbon webs of micro- and nanofibers for the removal of persistent gaseous organic pollutants.