Interactions between nanoscale zerovalent iron (NZVI) and silver nanoparticles alter the NZVI reactivity in aqueous environments

The increasing production and broad application of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) have led to a substantial release ENPs into natural systems. Despite their different utilization prospects, such as nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) silver (AgNPs) been co-found in aquatic environments. This study comprehensively examined the effect AgNPs on reductive ability NZVI, which was probed through conversion p-nitrophenol (p-NP) p-aminophenol (p-AP). Electron microscopic spectroscopic investigations Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) calculations showed that aggregation NZVI with low dose dramatically decreased reactivity. In contrast, enhanced reactivity observed when high used. collision between self-assembled aggregates can lead exposure inner Fe(0), thereby improving NZVI. same behavior for other nanosized (e.g., TiO2) microsized quartz sand) particles, suggests predominance physical processes peeling. Further presence sulfate humic acid p-NP removal NZVI-AgNP suspension, contrast groundwater constituents. Our findings provide better understanding potential ENP interactions, particularly context remediation.