Sandwiched Fe₃O₄/Carboxylate Graphene Oxide Nanostructures Constructed by Layer-by-Layer Assembly for Highly Efficient and Magnetically Recyclable Dye Removal

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) carbon nanomaterials generally display some limitations in adsorption applications due to easy agglomeration. To solve this problem, as-synthesized sandwiched nanocomposites made of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, poly(allylamine) hydrochloride molecules, and carboxylate graphene oxide sheets were prepared using a layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly method. The successfully synthesized sandwiched structures in the present nanocomposites have outstanding organic dye adsorption performance, stability, and recycling. The agglomeration of carboxylate graphene oxide was reduced with increased specific surface area because the Fe3O4 nanoparticles play important roles in interpenetrating and supporting graphene oxide sheets layers. In comparison with other kinds of composite adsorbents, the preparation process of the present new sandwiched composite materials is facile to operate and regulate, which demonstrates potential large-scale applications in wastewater treatment and dye removal.