Dual-Function Polymeric Nanomaterials for Adsorption/Photo-Treatment of Oil Spills in Aqueous Solutions

The implementation of photocatalytic approaches to treat petroleum-derived waste e.g., oil spills has recently gained popularity. While using dispersants to treat marine oil spills has proven effective, traditional dispersants only achieve monolayer oil dispersion. This study proposes modified metal semiconductors with aminophenol formaldehyde (APF), an efficient particle dispersant with photocatalytic activity, for removing oil spills from aqueous environments. Effective photocatalytic nanocomposites were synthesized through a simple solvothermal process, combining TiO2 and Fe3O4 metal semiconductors in a conducting APF polymer (MAPF and TAPF). These materials can offer high adsorption capacity and hydrocarbon photo-degradation. Both MAPF and TAPF showed strong photocatalytic performance, achieving up to 74% and 86%, respectively. This combination of dispersion, adsorption, and photocatalysis offers a novel approach to managing oil spills in marine environments. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.