Fe3O4@SiO2@MPS core/shell nanocomposites: The effect of the core weight on their magnetic properties and oil separation performance

Abstract In this research Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @MPS nanocomposites were successfully synthesized and effect of molecular concentration on magnetic properties as well as oil absorption properties of the particles was examined. It was seen that how core size and its properties could affect the final behavior of the prepared nano-magnetic materials and their capability to absorb different oils. We carried out some comparative experiments to compare the morphology, structural and magnetic properties and oil absorption capacity of the prepared magnetic particles, including scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The oils were quickly absorbed by the synthesized nanoparticles up to 4.84 times of its own weight, and could be recovered using a magnetic field. The results show promising data for the separation of spilled oils from water in environmental pollution cleanup by the as˗obtained particles.