Technical Studies

Large amounts nanomaterials are fabricated as versatile products in the markets with the fast developing nanotechnology and manufacturing processes. Carboneous nanomaterials, such as fullerene nanoparticles and CNTs, are widely used in various commercial products and have potential ecotoxicity and risks for human health. Recent years, fate and transportation of these nanoparticles in aqueous environment addressed highly concerns in both publics and government. As these particles only exist in nanometeric scale and present trace amount in natural water and effluents, traditional quantification and determination methods have limits to monitor low concentration level nanoparticles. Moreover, environmental water is a complex matrix, containing various colloids, natural organic matters and co-existing natural nanoparticles, to interfere the analysis of our targeting nanoparticles. Various water parameters, e.g. pH, ionic strength, suspended solids, also alter the nature of nanoparticles. As a result, it is still a remaning challenge to characterize artificial nanoparticles in real environmental matrix. This project aims to evaluate current available analytical methods and developing proper sample pretreatments for aqueous environmental nanoparticles. In additional to technical experiments, current carboneous nanomartirals in the consumer markets and information abroad are intensively collected as a reference for regulatory authorities and other research organizations.