Facile preparation and characterization of modified magnetic silica nanocomposite particles for oil absorption

In this study, a novel environmental-friendly and superhydrophobic oil absorbent was fabricated by modifying magnetic silica nanocomposites. It was demonstrated that the modified rough magnetic silica nanocomposite particles possessed a number of superior features such as superhydrophobicity, superoleophilicity, and high oil-water separation efficiency etc. Moreover, the as-obtained material could be used as excellent absorbents for high density oils such as toluene and many organic liquids including viscous oils e.g. lubricating oil. The lubricating oil intake capacity for the nanocomposites was 7.15 times of its own weight. Importantly, the oil-absorption process of the nanocomposites was selective, fast and efficient when they were used in the purification of oil-contaminated water. Notably, the oil-absorbed nanocomposites could be renewed after suitable absolute ethanol washing and natural drying. In addition, the renewed nanocomposites still remained high oil-absorption capacity after the 20th cycle. These inspiring results show that the oil-absorbent material has good prospects for selection removal of oils and organic solvents on water surface. It is believed that the present work may have provided a novel and facile way for preparing environmental-friendly materials with ideal properties. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.