| abstract |
Nanoparticle-treated particle packs, such as sand beds, may effectively remove coal fines from aqueous fluids, such as contaminated water. A porous substrate treated with nanoparticles, such as alkaline earth metal oxides/hydroxides, transition metal oxides/hydroxides, post-transition metal oxides/hydroxides, piezoelectric crystals, and/or pyroelectric crystals, may remove a substantial portion of coal fines from an aqueous fluid. It is believed that the nanoparticles capture and hold the coal fines in the particle pack due to surface forces, including van der Waals and/or electrostatic forces. The nanoparticles may be applied to the substrate via a coating agent, such as alcohol, glycol, polyol, olefin, vegetable oil, fish oil, and/or mineral oil. |