Exploring the role of ferrates and modified nano zero-valent iron in the activation process of persulfates

Persulfates are one of the newest oxidants that are used in in situ chemical oxidation. Although persulfates chemistry has been researched for some years, there are still many unknowns that should be investigated. The broader impacts of this joint project will include, but will not be limited to, creation (1) of new approaches for persulfates activation [with the iron in various oxidation states (modified nano zero-valent iron and ferrates)] and use of thus activated persulfates for remediation of toxic organic and inorganic substances e.g. organic contaminants that are on the list of persistent organic pollutants, (2) of a novel way for determination of persulfates that will be developed and protected during the project timebeing. The created method will be facile and fast and will allow for detection of persulfates in a double oxidant system (e.g. persulfates and ferrates) and will be required for evaluation of the persulfates reaction kinetics in the researched matrices. In the long term, this joint project will further a broader synergistic coupling between US and Czech researchers in the persulfates and nanomaterial domain by bringing new collaborators and facilitating new international links between the researchers and students in related areas at multiple institutions.