Ricerc@Sapienza

The effect of soil composition on the reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) by zero valent iron nanoparticles was studied. A model was proposed, to investigate both the effect of manganese oxide and the simultaneous effect of manganese dioxide and soil organic matter on the kinetic of Cr(VI) reduction. Fe(0) nanoparticles consumption by the reaction with dissolved oxygen, water and soluble Cr(VI) was taken into account.

Mixed ruthenium and manganese oxides electrodes (1:1 molar ratio) have been prepared by spin-coating deposition and subsequent thermal decomposition of a thin film on a titanium support. To improve both stability and adhesion of the coating, either micro- or nanomodification of the titanium surface has been investigated. The micro-modified support has been obtained by etching of the titanium foil with hydrofluoric acid (HF) while the modification at a nanoscale has been obtained by anodization of the titanium foil in a glycerol medium containing fluoride.