Magnetically Recyclable Nanomaterials for Water Treatment

Abstract

Nanoparticle colloidal dispersions are highly promising for use in water purification, but practical and cost-effective options to separate the dispersed nanoparticles from the treated water remain a critical roadblock to industrial adoption. Magnetic separation of superparamagnetic nanoparticles from water for recycling and reuse has the potential to be an efficient, practical, and low-cost slurry-type water treatment method. In this chapter we review the fundamental theory and concepts of magnetic nanoparticle separations, and present both a synthesis process for size-tunable superparamagnetic iron oxide nanospheres, as well as the application of these nanospheres as a core material for the immobilization of TiO2, to be used in photocatalytic water treatment as magnetically recyclable composite particles.