Iron oxide nanoparticle coatings for catalytic fenton-based disinfection and organic fouling degradation

Overview

This solution leverages iron oxide nanoparticles and coatings as catalysts for Fenton reactions, producing hydroxyl radicals from hydrogen peroxide to degrade organic materials and inactivate microorganisms on surfaces. The technology addresses the need for effective disinfection without toxic chemical residues, making it suitable for water treatment, filtration systems, and surface sanitation applications. By combining adsorption-based capture of viruses and bacteria with catalytic oxidative damage, the approach achieves significant microbial inactivation while degrading fouling layers that commonly impair filtration performance.

Technical specifications

• Iron oxide nanoparticles and coatings fabricated in-house serve as catalysts for hydroxyl radical generation from hydrogen peroxide
• Adsorption-driven capture of viruses and bacteria on iron oxide surfaces, achieving over 3-log virus inactivation through adsorption alone
• Fenton chemistry (dark and photo-assisted) produces oxidative damage to microorganisms and degradation of organic fouling including proteins and natural organic matter
• Mixed metal oxide formulations synthesized through partial atomic-level replacement of iron atoms, enabling tuning of the point of zero charge and electrostatic interactions for improved affinity with target contaminants
• pH-variable performance validated for degradation of proteins and natural organic matter relevant to water treatment
• No toxic residues produced, relying on environmentally benign hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant precursor
• Effective performance depends on electrostatic interactions and surface adsorption affinity between the target contaminant and the iron oxide layer

Technology readiness level

The iron oxide materials have been fabricated and tested for virus removal, with over 3-log inactivation demonstrated through adsorption. Coatings have been validated for degradation of proteins and natural organic matter at variable pH levels. Published results from the research group support the foundational science. Future validation will focus on combined adsorption and Fenton reaction disinfection, including dark and irradiated trials (wavelength greater than 365 nm), optimization of hydrogen peroxide concentration, irradiation time, and pH, and assessment of bacterial and viral viability after exposure and desorption from coated surfaces. The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development, ready for collaborative validation and pilot-scale testing.