OF CONTAMINANTS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application number 62/980,509 that was filed February 24, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Anthropogenic hyper-eutrophication, namely excess nutrients released into natural bodies of water from human activity, can have substantial economic, environmental and public health consequences. In the presence of extra phosphates and nitrates, blue-green algae bloom, creating an eyesore, blocking sunlight, producing toxins, and when they die, leading to bacteria proliferation. When bacteria consume dead matter, they use up oxygen, making a dead zone. In the past 15 years, Lake Erie has had algae blooms covering the western basin.

In 2014 the algae strain produced the toxin, microcystin, forcing Toledo to shut-off water for its residents for three days. Water treatment plants remove phosphates with a combination of biological and chemical methods, which are expensive, produce secondary pollution, do not recover phosphates, and are ineffective at low concentrations. Recovering and reusing phosphates is important because phosphate fertilizers come from phosphate rock, which is a non-renewable natural resource. This is a gigaton problem that requires at least a megaton solution.

SUMMARY

[0003] Provided are magnetic nanoparticle coated porous materials which may be used to recover a variety of contaminants, such as phosphates, from contaminated water. Also provided are methods of making and using the coated porous materials. Regarding phosphate recovery applications, the Examples below demonstrates an iron oxide nanoparticle coated membrane that may be used to remove and recover phosphate from water with high efficiency over multiple cycles (e.g., >99% sequestration and >95% recovery over many cycles). The coated membrane is made from naturally abundant materials (low-cost) and using a scalable water-based synthetic process (environmentally friendly). [0004] Other principal features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0006] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic of an illustrative process of making a magnetic nanoparticle coated porous material from a porous substrate (e.g., a cellulose membrane or sponge) and a slurry of magnetic nanoparticles (e.g., Fe ₃ C> ₄ nanoparticles).

[0007] FIG. 2 compares the phosphate absorbance of an illustrative magnetic nanoparticle coated porous material to the magnetic nanoparticles only and to the uncoated porous material.

[0008] FIG. 3 shows the pH dependence of phosphate adsorption by the magnetic nanoparticles of the coated porous material.

[0009] FIG. 4 shows that the magnetic nanoparticle coated porous material may be reused for multiple cycles to achieve high levels of phosphate adsorption.

[0010] FIG. 5 shows the PEARL membrane is made by coating cellulose with multifunctional nanostructures (MNS) using a scalable, water-based process. The nanomaterials are tailored for selective phosphate binding. Using mild conditions, the phosphates can be adsorbed and desorbed, allowing for reuse of the PEARL membrane and recovery of analytes.

[0011] FIG. 6A shows a SEM image of cross section of the PEARL membrane which reveals the nature of the coating. Inset shows PEARL membrane. FIG. 6B shows that TGA quantifies the mass loading of nanoparticles on PEARL membrane. FIG. 6C shows that N2 adsorption isotherm reveals surface area and porosity profile of PEARL membrane, cellulose, and nanoparticles. Inset scale bar in FIG. 6A is 2 cm.

[0012] FIG. 7A shows demonstrates that the multifunctional nanostructures are the sole contributors to the performance of the PEARL membrane. FIG. 7B shows that after multiple treatments, more than 99% of phosphates can be captured. FIGs. 7C-7D show that removal is pH dependent, so phosphates can be recovered using basic conditions. FIG. 7E shows that the PEARL membrane can be used for multiple cycles, and after the first cycle, 95% of phosphates can be recovered. FIG. 7F shows the kinetic study of phosphate adsorption. FIG. 7G shows the isotherm study of phosphate adsorption. FIG. 7H shows the results of tests on POTW effluent samples, revealing selective binding.

[0013] FIGs. 8A-8E. XPS curves showing (FIG. 8A) iron (FIG. 8B) phosphorus and (FIG. 8C) oxygen electronic state of nanostructures before interaction with phosphates (MNS), after adsorption (adsorb), and after desorption (desorb). NaOH and KH ₂ PO ₄ shown as reference. Line in (FIG. 8A) added to aid the eye. (FIG. 8D) Iron and (FIG. 8E) phosphorus EELS edges confirm binding on the nanoscale.

[0014] FIG. 9 shows an image of cellulose as a porous substrate. Structural hierarchy is provided by having multiple sets of pores, each set having a different average pore dimension.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Provided are magnetic nanoparticle coated porous materials which may be used to recover a variety of contaminants, such as phosphates, from contaminated water. The magnetic nanoparticle coated porous materials comprise a porous substrate and a coating comprising a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles on surfaces of the porous substrate.

[0016] Regarding the magnetic nanoparticles, a variety of magnetic materials may be used. Hard magnetic materials may be used, e.g., CoCrPt, Co, Co ₃ Pt, FePd, FePt, CoPt,

CoPd, FeCo, MnAl, Fe^NdiB, SmCos. Soft magnetic materials may be used, e.g., Fe ₃ C> ₄ , MnFeiCri, NiFeiCri, MgFeiCri. Other soft magnetic materials include the following soft magnetic ferrite compounds having the formula M’ _x M”i- _x Fe ₂ 0 ₄ , wherein M’ and M” are different and are independently selected from Co, Ni, Zn, Ba, Sr, Mg, Mn and 0 < x < 1. In some such embodiments, 0.1 < x < 0.9. Other soft magnetic materials include Fe-Si alloy, Ni- Fe alloy, and nano-crystalline alloy of Fe, Ni and/or Co with B, C, P, or Si.

[0017] Magnetic nanoparticles having a variety of different sizes and shapes may be used. Thus, the term “nanoparticles” is not meant to be limiting to a particular size. However, in embodiments, the nanoparticles may have each of their three dimensions on the order of 1000 nm or less. The nanoparticles may be spherical, but this term encompasses irregularly shaped particles which are still reasonably well defined three dimensions which are of similar magnitude. The nanoparticles may be characterized by an average diameter. The average diameter may be 500 nm or less, 200 nm or less, 100 nm or less, 50 nm or less, 25 nm or less, 10 nm or less, 5 nm, or in the range of from 1 nm to 100 nm, from 1 nm to 25 nm, or from 1 nm to 10 nm. In other embodiments, the average diameter may be in a range of from 1 nm to 200 nm, or from 10 nm to 200 nm. Magnetic nanoparticles having an average diameter of 10 nm or less are useful as they exhibit superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature (20 to 25°C).

[0018] In embodiments, the magnetic nanoparticles are functionalized, i.e., they comprise a functional group, which may be covalently bound to a surface of the magnetic nanoparticles. For example, the magnetic nanoparticles may be functionalized with chemical groups, such as a carboxylate, an amine, a phosphate, a pyridine, a sulfate; or biological groups such as amino acids, organic molecules, and antibodies. These groups can be either chemically (covalently) or physically (noncovalently) bonded to the magnetic nanoparticles. In embodiments, the magnetic nanoparticles are unfunctionalized.

[0019] Combinations of different types of magnetic nanoparticles may be used, e.g., magnetic nanoparticles having different compositions, different sizes, and/or different functionalization states.

[0020] A variety of methods may be used to form the magnetic nanoparticles. By way of illustration, the Example, below, discloses a suitable method of making iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles. In this method, an oxidizing agent (e.g., a base such as NaOH) is added to an aqueous solution of iron salts for a period to time to induce nucleation and growth of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles. Other methods may be used.

[0021] A variety of porous substrates may be used to form the magnetic nanoparticle coated porous materials. The porous substrate may be composed of natural or synthetic materials; be woven or non-woven; and may assume a variety of forms (e.g., approximately two-dimensional forms such as membranes, sheets, strips, etc. or approximately three- dimensional forms such as pads, balls, blocks, etc.) The overall size and shape of the porous substrate not particularly limited, but depends upon the application. The porous substrates (and thus the coated porous materials) may be referred to as sponges, foams, filters, etc. [0022] The porous substrates may be described as a solid matrix, the surfaces of which define a plurality of pores distributed throughout. In embodiments, the solid matrix may be characterized as being in the form of network of interconnected strands which extend (e.g., randomly, although regularly oriented strands such as those in woven textiles may be used) to define the plurality of pores and elongated, tortuous channels distributed throughout the solid matrix. As noted above, the surfaces of the solid matrix are coated with the magnetic nanoparticles, which generally do not penetrate into the solid matrix itself. These surfaces include outer/external surfaces generally facing away from the body of the solid matrix as well as inner/intemal surfaces generally facing towards the interior body. However, as stated, the magnetic nanoparticles generally do not penetrate into the solid matrix, a feature which may be confirmed using various imaging techniques. (See FIG. 6A.)

[0023] The size and shape of the pores may be selected depending upon the application. However, in embodiments, the porous substrates are hierarchical in nature. (See FIG. 9.) This means that the solid matrix defines multiple sets of pores (e.g., 2, 3, etc.), each set characterized by a different average size. The phrase “average size” may refer to an average dimension (i.e., width or diameter) taken as the largest distance across opposing surfaces of the solid matrix defining the pores. For example, a set of pores may be characterized as having an average dimension on the millimeter scale, e.g., in a range of from 1 mm to 10 mm. A set of pores may be characterized as having an average dimension on the micrometer scale, e.g., in a range of from 1 pm to 1000 pm. A set of pores may be characterized as having an average diameter on the nanometer scale, e.g., in a range of from 1 nm to 1 pm. In embodiments, the solid matrix may include two or more such sets, e.g., all three.

[0024] The solid matrix may be composed of a variety of natural or synthetic materials (including combinations thereof). Illustrative materials for the solid matrix include polyurethane, cellulose, melamine, polyimide, acrylic, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, and polyaramide. Embodiments of these materials have an advantage of being polymeric, flexible, and compressible. Hydrophilic materials are particularly useful, e.g., cellulose, melamine, and polyamide. However, in embodiments, hydrophilic materials may be combined with amphiphilic materials such as polyimide, polycarbonate, and polyurethane or combined with hydrophobic materials such as polyester, polyaramide, and acrylic. In embodiments, the following materials are excluded: activated carbon, biochar, halloysite, silicate, calcium-silicate. Materials such as activated carbon and biochar are generally hydrophobic.

[0025] As noted above, the porous substrates are coated with any of the magnetic nanoparticles described above to form the magnetic nanoparticle coated porous materials. Various loadings of the magnetic nanoparticles onto the solid matrix of the porous substrate may be used. In embodiments, the loading may be the range of from 0.2 weight% to 25 weight%. Here, “weight%” is (weight of the magnetic nanoparticles)/(total weight of the coated porous material)* 100. This includes from 0.5 weight% to 20 weight%, from 1 weight% to 25 weight%, from 1 weight% to 15 weight%, and from 5 weight% to 10 weight%. The loading may be tuned depending upon the application. The loading may also be tuned to provide a certain surface coverage of the magnetic nanoparticles on the surfaces of the solid matrix. For example, the schematic of FIG. 1 depicts a continuous coating of magnetic nanoparticles on the strands of the solid matrix of the porous substrate with 100% of the surface covered. However, this is not necessary, lower surface coverages may be used in which the magnetic nanoparticles are dispersed (e.g., uniformly) across the surfaces of the solid matrix, with some portions of the surface being bare. In embodiments, the loading of the magnetic nanoparticles is that which allows for the formation of a coating on all surfaces (i.e., inner and outer surfaces) of the solid matrix with a surface coverage of at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or 100%.

[0026] The coating may be characterized by an average thickness as measured in a direction normal to the surface of the solid material. By “average” it is meant an average value as measured from a representative number of locations on the coated porous substrate. In embodiments, the average thickness corresponds to the average diameter of the magnetic nanoparticles in the coating. That is, the coating has a thickness consistent with that of a single nanoparticle.

[0027] Other materials may be combined with the magnetic nanoparticles to provide a coating with additional properties. By way of illustration, graphite may be included. As another example, alumina (or another metal oxide) or hydroxyapatite may be included, which is useful for recovering nitrates. However, in embodiments, no other materials or additives are included and the porous substrate consists of the material of the solid matrix and the coating of magnetic nanoparticles. [0028] The magnetic nanoparticles in the coating imparts magnetic properties to the present coated porous materials. Confirmation of the magnetic nature may be obtained by assessing the response of the magnetic nanoparticle coated porous material to a magnet, e.g., a permanent magnet (B _r = 200 -2000 mT). An electromagnet may also be used. Confirmation of the magnetic nature may be carried out by exposing a magnetic nanoparticle coated porous material to a magnetic field as low as 200 mT and confirming that the magnetic field induces motion of the coated porous material.

[0029] Methods of making the magnetic nanoparticle coated porous materials are also provided. In embodiments, such a method comprises immersing any of the disclosed porous substrates in a formulation (e.g., a slurry) comprising any of the disclosed magnetic nanoparticles for a period of time to form a coating of the magnetic nanoparticles on surfaces of the solid matrix of the porous substrate. Immersion may be accompanied by mixing the formulation, including by sonication or vortexing. Immersion may be carried out at room temperature (20 to 25°C). The coated solid matrix may then be heated at an elevated temperature (i.e., greater than room temperature) for a period of time to provide the magnetic nanoparticle coated porous material. Illustrative conditions and additional details are provided in the Example below. Notably, the methods do not require that the porous substrate be pre-treated, e.g., pre-treated with an acid. Using cellulose as an example, acid pre treatment leads to carboxylation of cellulose, i.e., the cellulose is functionalized with carboxylate groups. This, in turn, may lead to covalent bonds being formed between the carboxylated cellulose and the magnetic nanoparticles. In embodiments, the porous substrate is unfunctionalized. In embodiments, the porous substrate does not comprise carboxylate groups. In embodiments, the magnetic nanoparticles are not covalently bound to the porous substrate.

[0030] The magnetic nanoparticle coated porous materials may be used in a variety of applications. One such application is recovering contaminants such as metals (e.g., chromium, copper, cadmium, nickel), metalloids (e.g., arsenic), heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury), and inorganic compounds (e.g., phosphates, nitrates) from contaminated water. However, in embodiments, the application involves recovering only phosphates, rather than another contaminant, such as arsenic. The phrase “contaminated water” refers to solutions and mixtures comprising water, i.e., other components may be present along with the water. In addition, the phrase encompasses water, and solutions and mixtures thereof which may be suspected of being contaminated. The source of the contaminated water is not particularly limited. For example, the source may be wastewater from a facility, run-off from an industrial, household, or commercial site, or a body of water such as a pool, a pond, lake, ocean, creek, stream, river, etc.

[0031] In embodiments, the contaminant recovery method comprises contacting any of the magnetic nanoparticle coated porous materials with the contaminated water for a period of time to adsorb the contaminant from the water. Adsorption of the contaminant by the magnetic nanoparticle coated porous material results in a contaminant-containing magnetic nanoparticle coated porous material and reduces the content of the contaminant in the water. As further described below, “reducing” can include reducing the content of the contaminant in the water to zero (or so close to zero that any small amount of the contaminant remaining does not materially affect the properties of the water).

[0032] The type of contact of the magnetic nanoparticle coated porous material with the contaminated water is not particularly limited. By way of illustration, if the coated porous material is in the form of a planar membrane or a column packed with the coated porous material (e.g., in bead form), the contact may be carried out by passing the contaminated water through the membrane or column. If the coated porous material is in the form of a sheet or pad (e.g., wipe, mop head, sponge, etc.), the contact may be carried out by placing the coated porous material on the contaminated water. Other types of contact include immersing (partially or completely) the coated porous material into the contaminated water.

[0033] The type of contact and the period of time of contact may be adjusted to optimize (e.g., maximize) the absorption/recovery of the contaminant by the magnetic nanoparticle coated porous material. These parameters may be adjusted so that the coated porous material adsorbs/recovers at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98% or 100% of the contaminant from the contaminated water. (See also, FIGs. 2 and 7A-7B.) In addition, depending upon the type of magnetic nanoparticle coated porous material and/or the type of application, the contacting may be carried out under conditions selected to facilitate adsorption (e.g., maximize) of the contaminant. By way of illustration, if adsorption is sensitive to pH, this condition may be adjusted to facilitate adsorption of the contaminant. This is illustrated in the Examples below in which acidic pH facilitates adsorption of phosphate by Fe ₃ C> ₄ coated cellulose membranes. [0034] After the contacting step, the adsorbed contaminant may be released from the magnetic nanoparticle coated porous material. A variety of release techniques may be used. One such release technique leverages sensitivity of the adsorption to conditions such as pH. By way of illustration, although acidic pH facilitates adsorption of phosphate by Fe ₃ 0 ₄ coated cellulose membranes, basic pH induces desorption of the phosphate due to competition with hydroxide adsorption. (See also, FIGs. 3 and 7D) Thus, release may be induced by increasing the pH of the contaminant-containing coated porous material, which may be accomplished by contacting the contaminant-containing coated porous material with water having a basic pH. Thus, more generally, this type of release technique involves exposing the contaminant- containing coated porous material to the condition which induces desorption/release of the contaminant.

[0035] Another illustrative release technique leverages the magnetic nanoparticles present in the coating. Such a technique comprises exposing the contaminant-containing magnetic nanoparticle porous material to a radio-frequency (RF) field for a period of time. The RF field thermally activates the magnetic nanoparticles of the coating to generate heat, which may induce desorption/release of the contaminant. The RF field strength, frequency, and time may be adjusted to optimize (e.g., maximize) release of the contaminant.

[0036] Other release techniques include mechanical perturbation, heat, or dilution in a medium free from the contaminant.

[0037] Regardless of the release technique, the contaminant recovery method may further comprise collecting the released contaminant. This is particularly useful for contaminants such as phosphates which may be reused for other purposes, e.g., to make phosphate fertilizers.

[0038] The contaminant recovery method may further comprise repeating the contact, release, and/or collection steps one or more additional times, thereby highlighting another advantage of the magnetic nanoparticle coated porous materials — reusability. In fact, the Example below demonstrates that cellulose sponges coated with Fe ₃ C> ₄ nanoparticles may be reused many times to recover phosphate from aqueous solutions with little change in their adsorption capabilities. (See also, FIGs. 4 and 7E.) EXAMPLES

Example 1

[0039] Materials & Methods

[0040] Materials: Cellulose membranes were purchased from Fisher Scientific (Essendant Medium Cellulose Sponge). NaOH, FeCb*4H ₂ 0, FeCh'bFhO for nanoparticle synthesis were ordered from Sigma Aldrich and Fisher Scientific. KFhPCri (from Sigma Aldrich) was used to make ortho phosphate solutions. HC1 (EMD/Fisher Scientific) and NaOH (Sigma Aldrich) were used to adjust the final pH.

[0041] Slurry Synthesis: Iron oxide nanoparticles were formed by mixing FeCb*4H ₂ 0 and FeCb*6H ₂ 0 in a 1 :2 molar ratio. The powders were dissolved in deionized (DI) water using a magnetic stir bar. An excess of 1 0M NaOH (approximately 10:1 molar ratio NaOH: FeCb*4H ₂ 0) was added to form the iron oxide nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were washed twice with DI water using a magnet to separate the particles from the solution. Once cleaned, the nanoparticles were diluted in DI water to the appropriate concentration.

[0042] Membrane Synthesis: Cellulose membranes were cut to size (-200 mg) and then washed in DI water. The nanoparticles were re-dispersed in the slurry (230 mg of nanoparticles/20 mL of solution) by vortexing the solution. The cleaned cellulose membrane was added to the solution, vortexed, quickly removed, and placed on a petri dish. The membrane was then dried in an oven at 60°C. Two coatings were applied. Finally, the coated membranes were washed in DI water and dried again.

[0043] Phosphate Removal Tests with Membrane : Membranes coated in approximately

20 mg of nanoparticles were each added to 5mL of DI water in a 15mL falcon tube. 5 mL of phosphate solutions of various concentrations was then added to the same tubes creating a total of 10 mL of test solution. Experiments were conducted at pH 4. Tubes were turned on their side and placed on an orbital rotating plate moving at 110 rpm for 30 minutes, creating a sloshing motion to improve circulation of solution. After testing, the membranes were removed from the solution without squeezing. Experiments were completed in duplicate. Analogous tubes without the membranes were made as controls to quantify the percent removal. [0044] Phosphate Tests with Nanoparticles: 5mL of nanoparticle slurry was added to falcon tubes. The concentration of the slurry was calibrated so that the number of nanoparticles in 5mL matched the number of nanoparticles coated on a membrane. 5 mL of phosphate solutions of various concentrations was then added to the same tubes creating a total of 10 mL of test solution. Tubes were turned on their side and placed on an orbital rotating plate moving at 110 rpm for 30 minutes. After testing the nanoparticles were separated from the solution using a magnet or centrifuge. The supernatant was immediately removed to stop adsorption. Experiments were completed in duplicate. Analogous tubes without the particles were made as controls to quantify the percent removal.

[0045] Cycling Test: Membranes coated in approximately 10 mg of nanoparticles were added to 15 mL falcon tubes containing lOmL of pH 4, 5mg of P/L solution. The term “P/L” refers to milligrams of phosphorus per liter of water. Because phosphate can take many forms depending on the water conditions, the phosphate concentration is normalized to the number of phosphorus atoms. Tubes were turned on their side and placed on an orbital rotating plate moving at 110 rpm for 30 minutes. After testing the membranes were removed from the solution without squeezing and placed in different 50 mL falcon tubes containing 30 mL of 1.0M NaOH. Tubes were turned on their side and placed on an orbital rotating plate moving at 110 rpm for 10 minutes. After NaOH treatment, membranes were squeezed with tweezers to remove any excess basic solution and then placed in new falcon tubes with lOmL of fresh 5mg of P/L solution. The pH was adjusted to approximately 4. Experiments were completed in duplicate. Excess untreated test solution was used to quantify the percent removal.

[0046] Acid/Base Test: Membranes coated in approximately 20 mg of nanoparticles were added to 50 mL falcon tubes containing 20mL of solution with approximately 5mg of P/L at various pHs. Tubes were turned on their side and placed on an orbital rotating plate moving at 110 rpm. After testing the membranes were removed from the solution without squeezing. Experiments were completed in duplicate. Excess untreated test solution at each pH was used to quantify the percent removal.

[0047] Phosphate Quantification: Samples were digested by adding 3% nitric acid and leaving in a 65°C water bath for at least 2 hours. Phosphorus concentration was measured using a Thermo iCap 7600 ICP-OES in axial mode with wavelength 178 nm. Each sample was measured with 3 repeats. Standards were made using an Inorganic Ventures 1 mg/L Phosphorus standard. [0048] Results & Discussion

[0049] As received, the cellulose membranes are yellow in color. After coating, the resulting membranes are black in color and responsive to a permanent magnet (image not shown).

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, the nanoparticles alone adsorb much less than the nanoparticle-membrane composite. The results of FIG. 2 also show that the uncoated membrane does not adsorb phosphates. The data suggests that the enhanced absorptivity of the composite material is due to the improved exposure of the nanoparticles via the large surface area of the membrane. The porous membrane composite is the core concept of the present disclosure leading to the facile use of the nanoparticles and exceptional phosphate recovery (nearly 100%).

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, phosphate adsorption by nanoparticles is strongly pH dependent because of the competition between H ₂ PO ₄ and OH. This pH dependence leads to facile desorption of phosphates by placing the membrane in a basic solution. As shown in FIG. 4, the nanoparticle coated membrane can be used to adsorb phosphates for multiple cycles. The error bars in FIG. 4 may be minimized by optimizing the pH adjustment (back to 4) after NaOH treatment.

[0052] There were no visible signs of membrane deterioration after the cycling test, demonstrating the robustness of the coated membrane.

Example 2

[0053] Experimental

[0054] PEARL membrane synthesis

[0055] Iron precursors and NaOH were bought from Sigma-Aldrich and used as received. Iron oxide (Fe ₃ 0 ₄ ) nanoparticles were prepared using a batch co-precipitation method. FeCh and FeCh were dissolved in deionized (DI) water with a 1 :2 ratio. Excess NaOH was separately dissolved in DI water and subsequently added to the iron solution. Nanoparticles were washed thoroughly with magnetic separation followed by decanting until the pH of the slurry was stable.

[0056] Cellulose sponges were acquired from Thermo Fischer Scientific. Sponges were cut to size with a razor blade. After thorough washing with DI water, they were dip coated with an aqueous slurry of nanoparticles and then dried at 60 °C in a box furnace. The membrane was washed in DI water until the coating was stable and then returned to the box furnace for drying. The PEARL membrane was allowed to cool to ambient temperature.

[0057] Adsorption studies

[0058] Phosphate samples were made by dissolving potassium phosphate monobasic (Sigma-Aldrich) in DI water. Sorption was tested in 30mL batch processes using falcon tubes. Adsorbents were added to the falcon tubes and placed on an orbital shaker for test duration. Orion Star A111 Benchtop pH Meter (Thermo Fisher Scientific) was used for pH determination calibrated with buffers at pH 4, 7 and 10 (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Adjusting of pH was done with HC1 (36.5-38.0% Thermo Fisher Scientific) and NaOH (Sigma-Aldrich) solutions.

[0059] Samples from Terrence J. O’Brien WRP in Skokie, IL, USA were tested after secondary treatment. These complex aqueous samples have a number of dissolved ions that compete against phosphate for binding.

[0060] Phosphate Concentration Determination

[0061] Quantification of P was accomplished using ICP-OES of acid digested samples. Samples were digested in concentrated trace nitric acid (> 69%, Thermo Fisher Scientific) and placed at 60 °C for at least 30 minutes. Ultra-pure H2O (18.2 MW cm) was added to produce a final solution of 3.0% nitric acid (v/v) in a total sample volume of 10 mL. Quantitative standards ranging from 160 to 0.05 ug/g P were made using a 1000 ug/mL P standard (Inorganic Ventures) in 3% nitric acid (v/v). Table 1 lists the concentrations used for each experiment.

[0062] Table 1 [0063] ICP-OES was performed on a computer-controlled (QTEGRA software) Thermo iCap7600 ICP-OES (Thermo Fisher Scientific) operating in axial view and equipped with a CETAC 520 autosampler (Omaha, NE, USA). Each sample was acquired using 5 second visible exposure time and 15 second UV exposure time, running 3 replicates. The spectral line selected for analysis was P =177.495 nm.

[0064] Ion chromatography was performed using a Thermo Scientific Dionex ICS-5000+ equipped with a Dionex AS-DV autosampler and using a Dionex IonPac AS22 column (Product No 064141, Thermo Scientific). The analysis was run using an eluent of 4.5 mM Sodium Carbonate and 1.4 mM Sodium Bicarbonate (Product No 063965 from Thermo Scientific) and a Dionex AERS 500 Carbonate 4 mm Electrolutically Regenerated Suppressor (Product No 085029 from Thermo Scientific). A mixed elemental standard containing 1000 ug/mL each of F , CE, Br , NO ^2- , NO ^3- , PO4 and SOI (IV-STOCK-59 from Inorganic Ventures) was used to make quantitative standards consisting of 25, 5, 1, 0.5, 0.1, and 0.5 ug/mL of each anion in ultra-pure H2O.

[0065] Recovery data was collected with ion chromatography instead of ICP-OES. When more basic conditions were used, the IC data showed nonstandard peaks and significant drifting of expected peaks, suggesting breakdown of the PEARL membrane and phosphates. This information is not accessible in a typical ICP-OES measurement. Results were qualitatively confirmed with the ascorbic acid method as recommended by the EPA. (Sousa, A. A. et ak, Ultramicroscopy 123, 38 - 49 (2012).)

[0066] Electron microscopy

[0067] Cross sectional samples for SEM and STEM were prepared by embedding membranes in resin and cutting with the Leica UC7/FC7 Cryo-Ultramicrotome. Nanostructures were prepared for TEM analysis by drop casting on a lacey carbon grid.

[0068] Images were collected with the Concentric Backscattered Detector on the SEM FEI Quanta 650 operated at 20 kV in low vacuum mode to minimize charging artifacts. SEM images of the sectioned samples were acquired with the Retractable Backscattered Electron Detector on the JEOL 7900FLV operated at 5 kV in low-vacuum mode. The image was taken in backscatter mode in order to emphasize the compositional contrast of the material. [0069] STEM images of the sectioned samples were acquired using Hitachi HD-2300 operated at 200kV. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was collected using a dual detector system. The results were summed across 120 frames.

[0070] TEM imaging of the nanoparticles was performed at 300kV with the JEOL ARM300F GrandARM. STEM imaging of the nanoparticles was acquired on the JEOL ARM200CF Aberration-Corrected TEM operated at 200kV. EELS data was taken in Dual EELS acquisition mode with a Gatan GIF Quantum ER mounted on a JEOL ARM200CF.

The instrument was operated at 200kV in STEM mode with a camera length of 20 cm. The convergence angle of the probe was 6.9 mrad and spectrometer was operated with a dispersion of 0.1 eV/channel.

[0071] EELS spectra were aligned to the zero-loss peak and background of edges was subtracted using a power law fit algorithm. The average low loss spectrum estimates the average sample thickness as 76nm. The phosphate ions are strongly susceptible to beam damage, thus a noisy data set was acquired, and nearest neighbor averaging was used to boost signal to noise for spatial mapping. To keep dispersion low, iron was quantified using its strong M peak. It is well known that phosphorus is a difficult element to quantify due to the overlap in its L23 signal (132 eV) with the plasmon edge. Nonetheless the L edge was chosen for its superior signal to noise over other phosphorus edges, and its shape could be revealed with proper background subtraction.

[0072] Surface area determination

[0073] N2 adsorption and desorption isotherms were obtained at 77K by a 3Flex analyzer (Micromeritics). Pore characteristics were calculated using a cylindrical porous oxide surface area DFT model for monolayer adsorption. Surface area was determined using the Brunauer- Emmett-Teller (BET) method.

[0074] Thermogravimetric analysis

[0075] Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was conducted using a Mettler Toledo combined TGA/DSC 3+ to confirm nanoparticle mass loading and to observe the effects of the nanoparticle coating on the thermal properties of the sponge. TGA experiments used a temperature profile from room temperature to 800 °C. The temperature was held at 40 °C for 3 minutes, then increased to 150 ^° c at 10°/minute to capture the loss of water weight, and subsequently increased to 800 °C at 20 minute, capturing the total combustion of the sponge, allowing for determination of the mass of the iron oxide coating. A similar process was employed using a conventional furnace and bulk sponges. Tests were performed on typical PEARL membranes of various sizes.

[0076] X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)

[0077] X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was conducted using a Thermo Scientific ESCALAB 250Xi system with charge referenced to adventitious Cls, C-C peak at 284.8eV. Samples were prepared for analysis by vacuum drying to avoid any change in oxidation state that can occur with heating.

[0078] X-ray powder diffraction (XRD)

[0079] X-ray diffraction measurements were taken on powder samples using Rigaku SmartLab with Cu-Ka radiation (l = 1.5418 A).

[0080] Surface charge

[0081] A Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZS90 with a 633nm laser was used to conduct the zeta potential measurements. Measurements were performed in a clear disposable cuvette at room temperature.

[0082] Results and Discussion

[0083] The architecture of the PEARL membrane

[0084] The platform membrane consists of two key components: a membrane and a nanoparticle coating, each of which can be tuned to the specific water remediation challenge. Cellulose was chosen as the platform for the PEARL membrane because of its hydrophilic character, large surface area to volume ratio, and hierarchical structure. These features enable it to facilitate large flow rates and necessary nanoparticle-dissolved pollutant interactions. It is also widely commercially available, biocompatible, and affordable.

[0085] Iron oxide nanoparticles were selected for the magnetic nanoparticles. This novel architecture, where the nanostructures are anchored on the cellulose, turns this promising nanostructure into a realizable solution.

[0086] A scalable, water based (environmentally friendly) process was deliberately used over chemically intensive processes that might have more fine control over the material coating. This naturally introduces questions about the efficiency of the membrane and its structure.

[0087] This and other such questions were addressed through nanocomposite characterization. There are significant intrinsic challenges in characterizing such a membrane due to its porous, hierarchical structure and its hybrid composition of soft (cellulose) and hard (iron oxide) structures. Nevertheless, using a correlative microscopy approach, the structure of the PEARL membrane was described at multiple length scales to help understand its remediation behavior.

[0088] Images confirmed that the cellulose exhibited a hierarchical structure with pores at multiple length scales, including at the macro scale. The coating is made of magnetite nanoparticles, whose FesCfi chemical composition was confirmed by powder x-ray diffraction. The inset in FIG. 6A shows the PEARL membrane, which seemingly retained the structure of the cellulose while anchoring the nanostructures.

[0089] To better understand the properties of the coating, an ultramicrotome was employed to prepare cross sections of the sample. The PEARL membrane (FIG. 6A) showed expected features: coating, resin, and cellulose. The iron oxide nanoparticle coating was not completely uniform, but it was possible to see that it was covering most outer surfaces. The cellulose sponge without a coating imaged in the same mode showed that the coating process modified only the surface of the membrane. Because the molecular scale interactions of the membrane happened at its solid-fluid interface, these SEM images suggest that the nanocoating was successfully applied, as the functional component was present across the entire surface, without intercalating within the membrane.

[0090] A multimodal approach was employed to investigate more closely regions with low levels of coating. Bright field images showed the nanoparticles on the sponge were approximately 10 nm in diameter. Dark field images suggested that the coating was made of heavy elements. The energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) map confirms as expected that the coating was composed of iron. In some regions the coating was incredibly thin, even on the order of a single nanoparticle.

[0091] From the electron microscopy analysis, it was observed that there was some degree of agglomeration, which is expected from a scalable coating method that avoids complex processes and toxic chemicals. Nonetheless, areas that appeared dim in other images may in fact have had an ultra-thin coating contributing to the functional performance of the PEARL membrane.

[0092] Thermogravimetric and surface area analysis can provide correlative estimates of nanoparticle loading. The TGA curve of a typical PEARL membrane is shown in FIG. 6B, where the remaining mass indicates the nanoparticle loading, information which was used in determining adsorption in FIGs. 7A-7H. In the studies of various shapes and sizes of the PEARL membrane, the coating consistently represents 5-10% of the structure mass, underscoring that only a very small degree of coating is needed to transform cellulose into an effective remediation tool.

[0093] The linear isotherms displayed in FIG. 6C reveal the surface area of the nanoparticles alone, cellulose alone, and the nanocomposite structure. The BET surface areas were 179.5, 5.2, and 12.0 m ² /g respectively. After surface area analysis, the same samples were estimated to have a nanoparticle loading of 6.5% with thermogravimetric analysis.

[0094] Using a linear combination of the surface areas, it was then expected for the nanocomposite to have a surface area of 16.5 m ² /g. This theoretical result is close to the experimental value of 12 m ² /g and suggests only some of the loaded nanoparticles were not accessible to the surface. As also confirmed with electron microscopy, most nanoparticles in the system comprised a thin surface coating that was actively involved in sorption, while a small fraction were inaccessibly buried in clumps beneath the surface. The linear isotherm plot can also be used to show how the membrane takes on the characteristics of the nanostructures. As shown in FIG. 6C, the PEARL membrane and the nanoparticles had similar hysteresis loops, which suggests analogous porosity in the mesoporous (2-50 nm) region. Overall, it was observed that the synthesis process allowed cellulose to take on the characteristics of the tailored nanostructures.

[0095] PEARL membrane performance: efficient phosphate recovery

[0096] Adsorption and desorption studies were performed to understand how the PEARL membrane interacts with phosphates. As shown in FIG. 7A, a comparable dose of multifunctional nanostructures alone or anchored on the cellulose membrane adsorbed 98% of phosphates in a 10 mg of P/L sample. The nanocomposite, however, avoids any additional centrifugation, magnetic separation, or filtration steps, making the PEARL membrane a more efficient, easy-to-use approach. Moreover, this comparison underscores the understanding that the majority of the nanostructures are actively involved in binding when anchored on a membrane.

[0097] The sponge itself does not participate in phosphate sequestration, allowing the characterization and performance analysis below to focus on nanostructures alone. Additionally, greater than 99% remediation was observed in FIG. 7B by using multiple, short passes (between 1 and 4 treatment steps). 3

[0098] FIG. 7C shows the pH dependence of adsorption. OH competed with POi at basic conditions, and the surface potential of the iron oxide changed from positive to negative. The pH dependence can be exploited for desorption.

[0099] After a PEARL membrane was used for phosphate removal, it was transferred to an aqueous solution of varying pH. As shown in FIG. 7D, when the conditions are basic, the phosphates can be captured for reuse. Here up to 58% of phosphates removed from solution were recovered. As shown in additional experiments, up to 74% of the phosphates can be recovered when the time is extended. Nonetheless, this result suggests a small fraction of the phosphates are irrevocably bonded to the nanoparticles, an observation which correlates well with electronic state studies below.

[00100] Because this technology is pH dependent, it can be reused for multiple cycles. FIG. 7E shows adsorption behavior for the first 5 cycles. In this test, a PEARL membrane was moved between acidic solutions containing approximately 10 mg of P/L to basic solutions. In the first cycle, 93% of phosphates were removed. In subsequent cycles, the performance slightly decreased, which can be attributed to residual basic solution being transferred as the membrane is cycled. 10 cycles were obtained in another experiment, where the pH was adjusted after each transfer; the performance was consistent across cycles.

[00101] The recovery results in FIG. 7E show the same behavior as described in FIG. 7D initially. However, after the first cycle, 95% of the phosphates could be recovered. This data suggests after some initial preconditioning of the nanomaterials, the system reaches an equilibrium state in which ions can be more easily removed and recovered. Exceptional performance in nutrient recovery makes this nanocomposite a promising tool for phosphate remediation.

[00102] To understand the kinetics of sorption, phosphate adsorption on the membrane was stopped at various stages between 5 minutes and 24 hours. As shown in FIG. 7F, although there was a slight increase in adsorption over a longer time horizon, after the first hour, the majority of the phosphates were removed. Moreover, even within the first 5 minutes many anions were recovered from solution. The short reaction times further highlight the technological relevance of the PEARL membrane.

[00103] These data were fit using first and second order models as shown in Equations 1 and 2, where q _e is the amount of phosphate adsorbed, K _\ and Ki are rate constants, and t is time. q _t = q _e ( _. l - e - K _lt ) (1)

[00104] The results in FIG. 7F show better agreement with the second order results. Fit parameters for the first order model were Qe (6.8), K (6.6) ad R ² (0.90). For the second order model the fit parameters were Qe (7.0), K (2.8) ad R ² (0.95). The agreement with the second order model suggests chemisorption contributes to the binding mechanism.

[00105] Sorption data can be fit with equilibrium isotherm models for more insight into interaction between nanoparticles and analytes. Langmuir describes a monolayer of non interacting analytes that adsorb onto active sites. Alternatively, the Freundlich model, based on experimental results, is often more applicable when multiple types of sorption sites exist in parallel with different free energies and site abundances. The data was fit with the Langmuir (Equation 3) and Freundlich (Equation 4) models: q _e K C _e l/n

(4) where C _e is the equilibrium concentration after treatment, q _e is the amount adsorbed, K _L is the Langmuir constant related to binding affinity, q _max represents the number of surface sites, K _F is the Freundlich capacity factor, and n is the Freundlich exponent. The sorption data in FIG. 7G suggests that the Langmuir isotherm may be more appropriate at this concentration range. Fit parameters for the Langmuir model are q _max (14.55), K (0.04) and R ² (0.98). Fit parameters for the Freundlich model are n (2.15), K (1.31) and R ² (0.92)

[00106] The selectivity of the PEARL membrane was tested with real water samples from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, operator of seven treatment plants including one of the largest in the world. Effluent samples taken after secondary treatment from this POTW were tested in a batch set-up with the PEARL membrane.

[00107] These water samples have many dissolved ions that could potentially interfere with phosphate-nanoparticle binding. The samples had approximately 2 mg of PO ^_ /L, and the PEARL membrane could nonetheless reduce the phosphate concentration below 20 pg of PO ^_ /L (>99% remediation), without adsorbing other anions as shown in FIG. 7H. Up to 1 liter of sample was tested, bringing the concentration from 2.3 mg of PO ^_ /L to below 20 pg of PO ^_ /L (>99% remediation), illustrating the possibility of scaling this method beyond the bench top.

[00108] Crucially, the PEARL membrane did not alter the concentration of nitrates. As both nutrients contribute to hypereutrophication and the ratio of N to P is essential for maintaining ecosystem homeostasis, it is important to be able to capture anions independently. Because nitrate does not interfere with phosphate binding, this platform membrane approach could be extended to concurrent nitrate (or another dissolved anion) remediation with a different anchored nanostructure.

[00109] The origin of the PEARL membrane performance

[00110] X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is a powerful tool to be able to probe the electronic structure of materials. Because this technique provides optimal interpretability with materials of flat, uniform geometry, nanoparticles without cellulose were investigated using this method. Three samples were prepared (1) MNS: multifunctional nanostructures alone,

(2) adsorb: MNS after adsorbing phosphates, and (3) desorb: MNS after phosphate has been desorbed with aNaOH solution. As a control, KFbPCri: potassium phosphate monobasic and NaOH: sodium hydroxide were also tested.

[00111] As shown in FIG. 8 A, comparing the NP only sample and the adsorption sample, a shift in iron towards a more oxidized state was observed, which is expected if iron atoms bind with phosphate. After the phosphates were removed, the iron peak shifted to slightly lower binding energy than its original state. This suggests an irrecoverable change to the material after the first cycle. In FIG. 7E, higher phosphate recovery efficiency (95%) of the PEARL membrane after the first cycle was observed, which correlates with this XPS result.

[00112] The changes to the phosphate peak (FIG. 8B) correspond with the changes to the iron peak. Compared to pure KH2PO4, the phosphorus moved to slightly lower energy when adsorbed on iron. After phosphates were desorbed, there nonetheless remained a small phosphorus peak, suggesting that some phosphorus cannot be removed with a basic solution. This phosphorus peak had a lower binding energy, which is a shift towards typical energies for phosphide compounds. This suggests that the phosphorus that is not recoverable has some degree of bonding that is more characteristic of phosphide complexes. The signals from the oxygen peak (FIG. 8C) are as expected summations of the FesCE, NaOH, and KH ₂ PO ₄ signals.

[00113] One limitation of XPS is that the spot size is on the micron scale, while the binding mechanism of interest occurs on the molecular scale. Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) is a promising correlative technique, as it collects chemical and physical information about the sample on the atomic and nanoscale. The selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern from various regions of interest confirmed the Fe ₃ CE structure.

[00114] Such an area’s electronic state can also be probed on the nanoscale with electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). In this study, a sample of nanoparticles after phosphate binding were studied (adsorb sample) with EELS. As shown in FIG. 8D, an iron M edge from the nanoparticles was observed. Despite the significant challenges in characterizing phosphorus, its L edge was clearly observed, as shown in FIG. 8E.

[00115] Thus, iron-phosphate bonding on the nanoscale was successfully confirmed. The phosphorus distribution in the sample was also mapped. There were some differences between the dark field, Fe, and P maps.

[00116] Summary

[00117] Phosphate pollution, as with many environmental remediation challenges, plagues vast biospheres demanding a clean-up strategy that is effective, economically viable, and environmentally friendly. When developing a tool to sequester phosphates, the PEARL membrane was designed with these practical priorities in mind.

[00118] These examples demonstrate how the PEARL membrane can effectively remove >99% of phosphates from aqueous media at concentrations where conventional methods fail. This material was tested on complex POTW effluent samples to show the practicality and selectivity of this technology. Moreover, the PEARL membrane can be reused for multiple cycles to recover, not just eliminate, phosphates. [00119] More broadly, this study serves as a demonstration of how a nanocomposite can bridge the gap between a nanostructure solution and an environmental problem on a gigaton scale. This unique architecture transforms a cheap, biocompatible, readily available porous material into an effective, deployable technology. This approach makes efficient use of materials, as it requires only a thin (5-10 weight %) coating of nanomaterials applied using water-based and scalable processes. Finally, because this platform technology is quite tunable, a similar cost-effective and sustainable approach can be employed to address other stewardship challenges.

[00120] The word "illustrative" is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Further, for the purposes of this disclosure and unless otherwise specified, "a" or "an" means "one or more.”

[00121] The foregoing description of illustrative embodiments of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and of description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the disclosure and as practical applications of the disclosure to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the disclosure be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.