One‐Pot Synthesis of Magnetic Nanoparticles Encapsulated by Carbon Nanotube for Selective Aromatic Compound Adsorption

Abstract

AbstractBased on the epoxidation modification of the carbon nanotubes surface, we develop a facile one‐pot synthesis of core‐shell magnetic carbon nanotubes where Fe3O4 nanoparticles are encapsulated inside the carbon nanotubes (Fe3O4@CNTs). Compared with traditional magnetic carbon nanotubes which prepared by surface deposition, the well‐designed core‐shell magnetic carbon nanotubes show higher selective adsorption for aromatic organic compounds. For those aromatic compounds containing hydrophilic groups on benzene rings such as phenols, the equilibrium adsorption capacity of the compound on the surface of Fe3O4@CNTs is almost zero. Conversely, the Fe3O4@CNTs exhibit good adsorption capacity for those aromatic compounds with electron‐withdrawing group on benzene ring such as nitro group, and the equilibrium adsorption capacity can reach 2.07 mg/g in aqueous solution. In addition, the corresponding selective adsorption mechanism is put forward through the kinetic studies. This study provides a new strategy for the water environmental treatment and the reuse of aromatic pollutants.