Iron oxide nanoparticle coatings for catalytic fenton-based disinfection and organic fouling degradation
Catalytic iron oxide coatings and nanoparticles that generate hydroxyl radicals from hydrogen peroxide for surface disinfection and degradation of organic fouling. Achieves over 3-log virus inactivation through adsorption combined with Fenton chemistry, offering an environmentally benign alternative to toxic chemical disinfectants for water treatment and surface sanitation.
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.
About University of Missouri, Columbia
Founded as Missouri’s flagship land‑grant, the University of Missouri–Columbia is a comprehensive public research university serving a large student body and partners statewide. Industry engages on campus through co‑located research cores, a research park and incubator in Columbia, and access to a high‑power university research reactor supporting isotope production and advanced testing. An integrated academic health system enables clinical studies and translation, while a statewide extension and agricultural research network links companies to field sites, producers, and community testbeds across Missouri. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, USDA, and DOE. A dedicated tech transfer office supports IP, licensing, and sponsored‑research agreements.
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