Iron-based magnetic nanomaterials and their environmental applications

ABSTRACT

In recent years, many novel nanomaterials with distinct structures have emerged as a result of intense research efforts by many groups. Among them, iron-based magnetic nanomaterials, which exhibit special physical and chemical properties, have been successfully adapted to many applications in a wide range of fields including catalysis, biotechnology, biomedicine, magnetic resonance imaging, data storage, biosensors, and removal of environmental pollutants, among others. Because of their low cost, ease of manufacture, and ease of modification, they have great potential for environmental analysis and remediation of a wide range of organic and inorganic pollutants. In order to enhance understanding and develop better methods for their use in environmental applications, this review focuses on the properties, synthesis methods, and environmental applications for iron-based magnetic nanomaterials such as nanoscale zero-valent iron, magnetite (Fe₃O₄), maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃), and their functionalized composites.

KEYWORDS:

• Iron-based magnetic nanomaterials
• remediation
• environmental analysis
• nanoscale zero-valent iron
• functionalized iron composites

Acknowledgments

Qingxiang Zhou and Jing li contributed equally to this article and should be regarded as co-first authors.

Funding

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21377167), and Science Foundation of China University of Petroleum, Beijing (KYJJ2012-01–15).