Abstract: A method of making LDO-Co nanoparticles is described herein. A method of using LDO-Co nanoparticles, particularly in the treatment of wastewater, is described herein.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising nanomaterials that have the potential to revolutionize water and waste treatment practices in the future. The direct use of unbounded CNTs, however, poses health risks to humans and ecosystems because they are difficult to separate from treated water. Here, we report the design and synthesis of carbon nanotube ponytails (CNPs) by integrating CNTs into micrometer-sized particles, which greatly improves the effectiveness of post-treatment separation using gravitational sedimentation, magnetic attraction, and membrane filtration. We further demonstrate that CNPs can effectively perform major treatment tasks, including adsorption, disinfection, and catalysis. Using model contaminants, such as methylene blue, Escherichia coli, and p-nitrophenol, we show that all the surfaces of individual CNTs in CNPs are accessible during water treatment.