Synthesis of NiFe2O4/sawdust nanocomposite for oil-water separation

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