Magnetic styrene polymers obtained via coordination polymerization of styrene by Ni and Cu nanoparticles

Magnetic nanocatalysts have attracted attention due to their recyclability, affordability and stability in a broad pH range. Immobilization of transition metals onto the iron oxide surface is of great interest as it allows for increased activity to the magnetic core and serve as stable supports for sensitive Cu and Ni nano-systems. In this work, Cu and Ni coated Fe3O4 nanocomposites were designed using different core-shell synthesis methods and coating salts, respectively. The nanoparticle (NP) formation was monitored using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectrometry (FTIR), with the size distribution visualized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The metal content was determined prior to catalysis via Inductively-coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). As Cu and Ni complexes are known pre-catalysts for polymerization reactions, this study focuses on polymerization on the surface of these synthesized nano-catalysts to produce polystyrene (PS) encapsulated magnetic nanosystems. Polymer formation was confirmed by FT-IR and molecular weight determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The obtained polymeric materials were evaluated as adsorbents for oil spills, after which the polymer was easily separated from the effluent, and then recycled after desorption of the oil.

Automated summary

Magnetic nanocatalysts are of interest due to their recyclability, affordability, and stability in a wide pH range. Cu and Ni coated Fe3O4 nanocomposites were designed and used for polymerization reactions to produce polystyrene encapsulated magnetic nanosystems. The obtained polymeric materials showed potential application as adsorbents for oil spills.