One-pot synthesis of novel Fe3O4/Cu2O/PANI nanocomposites as absorbents in water treatment

Abstract

Fe₃O₄/Cu₂O/PANI nanocomposites with diverse functionality were prepared for the first time by a one-step in situ polymerization using cupric nitrate as the oxidant for aniline in the presence of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The morphologies and properties of the Fe₃O₄/Cu₂O/PANI nanocomposites can be controlled by the molar ratio of aniline to Cu²⁺ ions. Remarkably, a porous dandelion-like nanocomposite with a lower PANI content has been developed as a fast and highly effective sorbent to selectively remove anion organic dyes, such as congo red (CR) and methyl orange (MO), from a simulated sewage system. The flower-like Fe₃O₄/Cu₂O/PANI nanocomposites with higher PANI content could clean up the oil from the water surface easily on account of the superhydrophobicity and excellent lipophilicity. Moreover, the composites could be easily reused using an external magnetic field, because of the presence of Fe₃O₄. The obtained nanocomposites may have potential applications in water treatment and environmental cleaning.