Synthesis, characterization and application of magnetic-zirconia nanocomposites

In the present study, a magnetic-zirconia nanocomposite was successfully synthesized by a single-step co-precipitation method. The as-prepared nanocomposite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and nitrogen sorption measurements. The ultimate material was found to be Fe3O4–ZrO2 nanoparticles with average diameter of 80 nm, high surface area up to 166 m2/g, and strong magnetic property. The application of this new nanocomposite was herein demonstrated by the adsorption of ethyl methylphosphonic acid, a degradation product of nerve agent in water, followed by mass spectrometry detection. Excellent adsorption could be observed, indicating the as-synthesized material was effective to remove phosphonic acid compound from water. Apart from adsorption, the Fe3O4–ZrO2 nanocomposite is promising in various applications such as catalysis and bioseparation.