Graphene aerogel-doped CoFe2O4/MoS2 sheets for magnetic oil absorption and the degradation of contaminants

Abstract

In recent years, oil spills and the discharge of industrial organic wastewater have not only damaged society and the economy, but also have had a negative impact on the human environment. The composition of oily wastewater is complex and hazardous. It mainly comprises insoluble organic substances and unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons. It exists in the form of oil–water mixtures, freely suspended emulsions, and stable emulsions containing surfactants. The shortage of fresh water resources and how to effectively separate oil and water present serious challenges to the scientific community. In this study, we designed a graphene aerogel with magnetic oil-absorbing functionality, which not only has emulsion-breaking functionality, but also can repeatedly adsorb organic pollutants. More importantly, it exhibits a strong Fenton catalytic effect and can effectively degrade pollutants. The aerogel designed in this research integrates adsorption, catalysis and degradation, and exhibits excellent purification of wastewater containing pollutants such as dyes, antibiotics and aromatic hydrocarbons, providing a novel insight into the treatment of oily wastewater.