Magnetic responsive polymer nanofiber composites for easy collecting chemical spills

Abstract We describe a simple method to prepare magnetic responsive polydivinylbenzene (PDVB) nanofiber composites by precipitated cationic living polymerization in the present of oleic acid capped Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (NPs). The Fe 3 O 4 NPs are encapsulated with the PDVB forming dendrites, from which thin nanofibers are grown in the tip-growth mode. The thin nanofibers are interwoven with the thick nanofibers forming robust composite network. The composites are magnetic responsive and highly efficient to gel almost all chemicals. Separation of the gelled chemicals from water becomes easier with a magnet. The performance is promising for magnetic collection of chemical spills.