Magnetic PVA/GO-based aerogel for efficient removal of oil pollution

Abstract

In this study, we developed a new type of magnetic aerogel using polyvinyl alcohol and graphene oxide for oil pollution absorption. In addition, the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles are functionalized with polylauryl methacrylate and incorporated within the aerogel to enhance the absorption capacity and give magnetic properties to the aerogel. Graphene oxide was used as a surfactant to disperse hydrophobic nanoparticles in the structure of aerogels. Polyvinyl alcohol was used as the precursor, and glutaraldehyde was used as the crosslinking agent. Products were identified using FT-IR, FE-SEM, and EDS-mapping analyses. Aerogel with different ratios of magnetic nanoparticles and graphene oxide were synthesized to optimize the amount of performance of aerogel. Then, the absorption of oil pollutants in the water surface in these ratios was investigated. In addition to oil contaminants, the selected sample was tested on other hydrophobic samples such as edible oil, thinner, and chloroform. Also, the selected aerogel was tested several times using the absorption and drying cycle to evaluate the repeatability of the performance. In the end, the motion of the aerogel was examined using a magnet due to the presence of magnetic iron nanoparticles. The results showed aerogels as high porosity structures can be effective materials for absorbing and separating various hydrophobic pollutants from the environment.