Hydrophobic-modified metal-hydroxide nanoflocculants enable one-step removal of multi-contaminants for drinking water production

Summary Flocculation is a mainstream technology for the provision of safe drinking water but limited due to ineffectiveness conventional flocculants in removing trace low-molecular-weight emerging contaminants. We described synthesis strategy development high-performance nanoflocculants (hydrophobic-organic-chain-modified metal hydroxides [HOC-M]), imitating surfactant-assembling nano-micelles, by integration long hydrophobic chains with traditional inorganic (Fe/Al/Ti)-based flocculants. The core-shell nanostructure was highly stable acidic stock solution and transformed meso-scale coagulation nuclei real surface water. In both jar continuous-flow tests, HOC-M superior over many contaminants (turbidity, UV254, DOC: >95%; TP NO3-N: >90%; pharmaceuticals [initial concentration: 100 ng/L]: >80%), producing flocs better structural dewatering properties, lowering environmental risk leaching. rationally designed have large application potential, as increasing public concern about micro-pollutants quality requirements.