Ultra-fast spill oil recovery using a mesoporous lignin based nanocomposite prepared from date palm pits (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Oil spills present the enormous harm to the environment, and its potential remediation for environmental protection is import worldwide. Herein, we report an effective strategy inspired by the lignin based bio-waste date palm pits powder (Phoenix dactylifera L.), which was modified with magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanocrystals and used as a porous, hierarchical graphite carbon oil/solvent sorption magnetic materials. The fabricated nanocomposite (Fe₃O₄@MPC) was characterized using several analytical techniques. The results revealed that Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with a 22 nm in average size were embedded into the graphite carbon matrix. The rate of sorption, sorption capacity, oil retention, water uptake, adsorption isotherm model, and kinetic behavior were evaluate and >85% of both oils were adsorbed, onto Fe₃O₄@MPC surface in the first 30 min followed by equilibrium in both type of aqueous solution. The batch equilibrium data supported the Langmuir isotherm model with the adsorption capacity about to 23.01 mg/g. The kinetics data was well fitted with pseudo-second-order kinetic model. After saturation, the Fe₃O₄@MPC was recycled using ethanol and reused for further cycle. The fabricated nanocomposite exhibited a significant dual oleophilic and hydrophobic nature that can be applicable for oil removal from oil-contaminated wastewaters. Meanwhile, the magnetic properties allowed Fe₃O₄@MPC to be separated conveniently and effectively from the solution and used as oil absorbent without touching the oil.