Controllable Oil Adsorption from water Using Hydrophobic (Paraffin/Stearic Acid)/CoFe2O4 Magnetized Fibril Wax

Abstract

The development of efficient oil-water separation techniques is critical for mitigating environmental pollution from industrial oily wastewater. This study synthesized a hydrophobic and oleophilic (paraffin/stearic acid) (Par/St)/CoFe2O4 magnetized fibril wax for controllable adsorption and removal of waste engine oil from water. Structural and morphological characterization confirmed the successful incorporation of 30 wt% CoFe2O4 nanoparticles into the Par/St wax matrix with fibril morphology. Structural and morphological characterization using TEM, UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD, and SEM consistently confirmed the successful integration of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles into the Par/St wax matrix, forming fibrils with a high surface area. The oleophilic fibril demonstrated rapid adsorption and excellent removal efficiency of 99% for waste engine oil within 30 seconds. The fibrils could be magnetically guided for oil collection, ensuring reusable and eco-friendly oil remediation. This work introduces a novel solution for controllable oil spill clean-up and oily wastewater treatment.