Magnetically motive porous sphere composite and its excellent properties for the removal of pollutants in water by adsorption and desorption cycles

A unique, facile, and controllable route for the synthesis of magnetically motive porous sphere composites consisting of iron carbide, iron, and graphite is reported. The composites have a high surface area, large spheres, hierarchical micropores and macropores, good magnetic separability (see figure), and suitable hydrophobic and oleophilic properties. Pollutants can be almost completely adsorbed onto the composite and re-released in ethanol.