3-D magnetic graphene balls as sorbents for cleaning oil spills

A 3-D magnetic graphene ball (MGB) material was prepared using cellulose as the carbon source. Carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles (CEINs) were first prepared by hydrothermal carbonization of cellulose powder at 180 degrees C. Then, the prepared CEINs were catalytically graphitized to graphene-encapsulated iron nanoparticles (GEINs) at 900 degrees C. Finally, GEINs were treated in carbon dioxide at 700 degrees C, during which the iron core was oxidized to magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, and graphene shells were peeled off from the iron cores to form graphene nanoplatelets. The graphene nanoplatelets consist of 1-10 layers graphene with the in-plane size of 20-30 nm. The prepared 3-D MGB was investigated for the removal of oil from water, which demonstrated outstanding adsorption performance and excellent recyclability.