Removal of surface oil from a spill using magnetic nanocomposites has recently gained a lot of attention. Here, we describe a novel technology for enhancing the removal of surface oil from a spill using an environmentally benign method. We specifically focus on using hydrophobically modified chitosan and magnetic carbon microspheres. The magnetic iron carbon composites are synthesized using a simple aerosol based process using inexpensive precursors such as sucrose and iron sulfate. The iron oxide particles embedded in carbon matrix preferentially remain in the oil phase. The alkyl chains attached to chitosan polymer backbone anchor at the oil water interface allowing the polymer to span the crude oil droplets resulting in a gel-like aggregate. The measurement of dynamic modulus of the oil phase shows shear thinning gel-like characteristics. This gel-like phase of crude oil droplets containing magnetic carbon spheres can be removed as an aggregate using a strong magnet resulting in enhanced recovery of crude oil.

Developing new technologies for enhanced oil removal using benign particles and biomolecules

245th National Meeting (2013)

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