One-step synthesis of magnetite core/zirconia shell nanocomposite for high efficiency removal of phosphate from water

- Magnetite core/zirconia shell nanocomposite was prepared by one-step method.
- Fe/Zr molar ratio of 4/1 allowed high magnetization and high adsorption capacity.
- The nanocomposite had good selectivity towards phosphate.
- Ligand exchange was the adsorption mechanism of phosphate.
- Desorption of adsorbed phosphate could be achieved by NaOH treatment.