C─S Bonds Modulated Nanointerface Tension to Create Stable Magnetic Hollow Nanocarbons for Efficient Microplastics...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Microplastic pollution is a major threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
• Hollow nanomaterials offer potential for microplastic remediation due to their design flexibility and large surface area.
• Structural stability of nanostructures is crucial for their application, yet often challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the stability principles of hollow nanocarbons.
• To develop stable, efficient magnetic hollow nanocarbons for microplastic capture.
• To understand the role of sulfur modification in enhancing nanomaterial performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of magnetic hollow nanocarbons using a "nano-analytical tool" approach.
• Introduction of C─S bonds via sulfurization to improve structural stability.
• Demonstration of microplastic capture using Fe3O4@C/S under an alternating magnetic field.

Main Results:

• Stability of hollow nanocarbons was linked to nanointerface tension; sulfurization mitigated this.
• Sulfur-modified Fe3O4@C/S achieved 100% microplastic capture within 10 s with a capacity of 53,600 mg g⁻¹.
• Enhanced applicability across various pH and salinity conditions due to modified surface charge.

Conclusions:

• Nanointerface tension is a critical factor in hollow nanocarbon stability.
• Sulfur modification provides a strategy to enhance the stability and microplastic capture efficiency of hollow nanomaterials.
• This approach offers a pathway for high-capacity microplastic removal in diverse aquatic environments.