Fabrication of zero valent iron (ZVI) nanotube film via potentiostatic anodization and electroreduction

Zero valent iron has been successfully used for the degradation of a wide range of contaminants. However, this reaction of using ZVI particle produces a large quantity of iron sludge. To solve the problem, we report the synthesis of self-organized nanoporous zero valent iron film treated with anodization and electro-reduction of iron foil. The iron nanotubes were fabricated in 1 M Na₂SO₄ + 0.5 wt% NaF electrolyte by supplying constant electric currents of 50 mV/s, and holding the potential at 20, 40 and 60 V for 20 min. Nanoporous shape was produced by anodic oxidation of iron film. After anodizing process, electro-reduction of nanoporous iron film converted crystallization iron oxide to zero valent iron. Electro-reduction process was carried out by electro-reducing with powersupply to and holding the potential at 20 V for 20 min. The surface of iron nanotube film was examined by BET and the thickness of the oxidized films was evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The crystalline structures of the fabricated films were evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD).