Synthesis of NiFe2O4/sawdust nanocomposite for oil-water separation

Abstract

organic solvents. In this study, NiFe2O4/sawdust nanocomposite was synthesized for removing<br />oil pollutants. The oil-adsorbing nanocomposite could be easily separated from water by<br />magnet bar. The XRD results show tetragonal phase proving the composite formation. The<br />FESEM pictures successfully reveal the growth of NiFe2O4 on the sawdust template. The FTIR<br />bands at 422 cm-1 and 615 cm-1correspond to the metal oxygen stretching band. VSM hysteresis<br />loop proves the superparamagnetism of the composite. In addition contact angle depicts<br />hydrophobic properties of the resulted nanocomposite. More importantly, as-prepared<br />nanocomposite exhibited high oil adsorption capacity and good reusability. Our studies show<br />easy synthesis and fast method for oil removal from water. Facile synthesis procedure, high<br />oil adsorption capacity, fast and simple magnetic separation and reusability of nanoadsorbent<br />are among the benefits of these composite. This approach will open up new fields of studies<br />in polluted-water treatment.