Iron-Based Materials Synthesized by Mechanical Ball Milling for Environmental Contaminants Removal: Progress and Prospects

• Published in: International Journal of Environmental Research Vol. 19; no. 1
• Main Authors: Fang, Yi, Ni, Xinjie, Xiao, Qi, Huang, Shan, López-Valdivieso, Alejandro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01-02-2025
• Subjects: Earth and Environmental Science; Environment; Environmental Engineering/Biotechnology; Environmental Management; Geoecology/Natural Processes; Landscape/Regional and Urban Planning; Natural Hazards; Review Article; Hydrogen evolution reaction; Mechanical ball milling; Electron efficiency; Iron-based materials; Secondary contamination
• ISSN: 1735-6865; 2008-2304
• DOI: 10.1007/s41742-024-00671-w

This review comprehensively examines recent advancements in the synthesis and environmental applications of iron-based materials (IBMs), with a particular focus on the enhancements achieved through mechanical ball milling. IBMs, including zero-valent iron (ZVI) and its composites, have garnered significant attention for their potential in environmental remediation due to their high reactivity and cost-effectiveness. This paper explores how IBMs have been modified by adding different elements, like nitrogen, sulfur, carbon, and secondary metals, which have been demonstrated to significantly enhance their performance and properties. Key parameters of the ball milling process, including milling duration, rotation speed, mass ratio of ball-to-powder, temperature, and milling atmosphere, are analyzed for their impact on the resulting IBMs. A detailed comparative analysis of quantitative findings from various studies is presented, highlighting the differences in methodologies and the resulting enhancements in adsorption capacity, particle size reduction, surface area, and reactivity. Specific mechanisms through which ball milling and element incorporation improve IBMs are explored. For instance, carbon-Fe composites exhibit increased surface area and dispersion, while S-FeSx composites show enhanced degradation efficiency and reduced passivation. Bimetals of Fe–Me, such as Fe–Ni and Fe–Cu, demonstrate increased stability and higher reactivity. The incorporation of nitrogen into ZVI creates FeNx species, significantly enhancing catalytic performance and stability. Practical challenges such as secondary contamination of dissolved iron, atmospheric oxidation, and the hydrogen evolution reaction are addressed, with proposed solutions including alloying, protective coatings, and optimized milling conditions. Future research directions are suggested to further refine synthesis methods, explore integrated remediation approaches, and ensure the sustainability and safety of IBMs. In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements in iron-based materials modified through ball milling, offering valuable insights into their mechanisms, practical applications, and future potential in environmental remediation. The findings underscore the importance of continued innovation and interdisciplinary research to develop effective and sustainable solutions for environmental contamination challenges.
Highlights
Nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) exhibits poor dispersion, low selectivity, and narrow working pH.
Biochar/activated carbon, sulfur, and secondary metals has been shown to ameliorate the limitations of nZVI.
Iron-based materials (IBMs) successfully prepared by mechanic ball milling.
The ball milling approach has shown edges over the liquid phase method and thermal reduction.
More work is needed to develop IBMs with limited iron dissolution, minimal hydrogen evolution reaction, and air stability.