Fe3O4/PS magnetic nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization and their application as sorbents of oil from waste water

• We prepared Fe3O4/PS nanocomposites with different coating rates by emulsion polymerization method successfully.
• Prepared nanocomposites could be used for oil absorption and be recycled by applying an external magentic field.
• We got nanocomposites with optimal coating rates which had best oil absorption ratio and magnetic properties.
• The nanocomposites also remain about 92.05% of oil absorption ability after being reused for 10 times.

In this work, Fe3O4/PS composites with a rough surface and different coating rates were successfully designed and synthesized by emulsion polymerization. We carried out some comparative experiments to compare magnetic properties and oil absorption properties of the nano-magnetic materials. It had been found that several prepared groups of magnetic nanocomposites have a core–shell structure and good coating rates. These nanoparticles combined with unsinked, highly hydrophobic and superoleophilic properties. The absorption capacity of Fe3O4/PS composites for organic solvents and the composites could absorb diesel oil up to 2.492 times of its own weight. It is more important that the oil could be readily removed from the surfaces of nanoparticles by a simple ultrasonic treatment whereas the nanocomposites particles still kept highly hydrophobic and superoleophilic characteristics. With a combination of simple synthesis process, low density, magnetic responsibility and excellent hydrophobicity, Fe3O4/PS nanocomposites as a promising absorbent have great potential in the application of spilled oil recovery and environmental protection.

In this article, Fe3O4/PS nanoparticles present a property called selective adsorption. When the nanocomposites are added into watchglass with a layer diesel oil dyed by Sudan red for clarity on a water surface, oil is quickly absorbed in few seconds and then keeps a balance of adsorption. Owing to the presence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, the nanocomposites could be collected to the oil-polluted region by a magnet bar. The particles can dissolve in ethanol by ultrasonic washing. After that we can regenerate the magnetic composite materials through filtering, washing and drying, the process is showed in the following Figure. Adsorption and desorption of Fe3O4/PS nanoparticles.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide