
The hydrocarbons, such as crude oil or diesel dyed red in this case, … (Image: FAU/Luis Portilla)
An interdisciplinary group of researchers at FAU led by Prof. Dr. Marcus Halik has developed functionalised iron oxide particles that can attract any types of hydrocarbons. The magnetic particles and their shells can then be removed from the water relatively simply and in an environmentally-friendly manner and can even be reused after being cleaned.
The researchers have now published their study in the renowned journal Advanced Functional Materials. In the study, they describe how functionalised iron oxide particles can be modified with a self-assembled monolayer so that they only adsorb hydrocarbons. This group of chemical substances includes light compounds such as alkanes and aromates but also crude oil, petrol and diesel. Such hydrocarbon molecules surround the very fine particles as if they are being sucked in and reach a volume

… self-organise and surround the particles (black) forming a voluminous shell around the core of the particles… (Image: FAU/Luis Portilla)
that can grow to 14 times the size of the core of the particle. A video on the researchers’ website shows how iron oxide powder is applied to liquid oil and the instant transformation into a substance that can be removed by a magnet. Iron oxide is a magnetic substance by nature.
In addition to the multiple reusability of the source material, the large surface to volume ratio provided by nanoparticles and the favourable ratio to the quantity of the hydrocarbons to be adsorbed all contribute to the very high efficiency of the process. In addition, it allows water to be completely cleaned of oil and oil products. Conventional methods, on the other hand, create dispersions or mixtures of substances that enable the hydrocarbons to be more easily digested by bacteria, but remain in the seawater until this process is complete.

… Due to the magnetic properties of the particles, the entire system comprising the particles and the adsorbed hydrocarbon shell can subsequently be easily removed from the water using a magnet. (Image: FAU/Luis Portilla)
In addition to manufacturing and characterising the particles, the research involved experiments using various hydrocarbons and different sources of water at different temperatures supplemented by molecular simulations that enabled the materials to be improved further. Three working groups from the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Sciences at Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) contributed to the research that involved scientists led by Prof. Dr. Marcus Halik (Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Organic Materials and Devices), Prof. Dr. Andreas Hirsch (Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Organic Chemistry II) and Prof. Dr. Dirk Zahn (Professorship for Theoretical Chemistry, Computer Chemistry Center). The work was supported by the Cluster of Excellence EAM (Engineering of Advanced Materials) from the Excellence Initiative of the German Federal and State Government and by the Graduate School for Molecular Science (GSMS) at FAU.
In future, the system could help to considerably reduce the impact of contamination by oil on the environment. The FAU researchers are currently working with partners in industry to scale up the manufacturing of the materials and to transfer the concept to real applications in clean up operations.
Learn more: Cleaning up oil using magnets
The Latest on: Oil spill cleanup
via Google News
The Latest on: Oil spill cleanup
- Train derails, oil spills onto road in Queensgateon January 25, 2021 at 6:40 am
Some streets remained closed as a massive cleanup is underway following a train derailment Sunday morning. At around 1:16 a. m. , six cars and two locomotives jumped the tracks at the Queensgate Rail ...
- Oil spill trustees approve resolution to extend Exxon Valdez restoration zoneon January 24, 2021 at 4:37 pm
This week, the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council approved a resolution to expand the boundaries of the restoration zone that was mapped out in 1994, indicating exactly where funds from a $900 ...
- New Law In California, USA, Affecting Shipowners’ Liability For Oil Pollutionon January 24, 2021 at 3:47 pm
Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act of 1990 in the State of California on criminal fines for oil spill violations in state waters entered into force on 1 January 2021. BIMCO takes ...
- Stakeholders react as Chevron, Conoil deny oil spill in Bayelsa communitieson January 24, 2021 at 7:31 am
Environmentalists, paramount ruler, chiefs, youth leader and women of Koluama 1&2 communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa state, ...
- DEQ responds to motor oil spill into Tangipahoa Riveron January 22, 2021 at 11:16 pm
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality reports it is responding to a motor oil spill into the Tangipahoa River. Viewers contacted WDSU Friday afternoon and shared photos and video that show ...
- Oil spills in Wyoming decline in 2020, but problems persiston January 22, 2021 at 12:24 pm
Oil and gas companies reported 613 spills last year, 26% fewer than in 2019. The most spills occurred in Converse and Campbell counties.
- Green Boom's USDA Certified Biobased Absorbents Clean up Oil Spills and Eliminate Landfill Plasticon January 20, 2021 at 9:47 pm
Green Boom is honored to be part of the solution as the entire planet is putting an increased focus on counteracting the effects of climate change. — Green Boom Co-Founder Sudhir SharmaATLANTA, GA, ...
- North Dakota lawmakers reject bill targeting oil execs who don't clean up spillson January 20, 2021 at 6:32 pm
The bill, which would have allowed the state to penalize high-ranking corporate officers for failures to responsibly address oil spills, was brought forward by top oil industry regulators but drew ...
- Marin witnesses recall massive oil spill of 50 years agoon January 18, 2021 at 7:14 pm
Marin County and San Francisco residents woke up to one of the worst environmental disasters in Bay Area history.
- Has Prince Charles’ Nature Pledge Become A Platform For BP To Greenwash Oil Spills?on January 17, 2021 at 12:03 pm
Prince Charles announced a new business pledge for nature last week. However, the inclusion of BP has been slammed for allowing the oil giant to continue greenwashing environmental pledges, as they ...
via Bing News