Hyperelastic magnetic reduced graphene oxide three-dimensional framework with superb oil and organic solvent adsorption capability

Three-dimensional (3D) porous network materials with large pore volume, high specific surface area, and controllable porosity have potential application in wastewater treatment. This work aims to develop a novel hyperelastic and ultra-light magnetic reduced graphene oxide (rGO-Fe 3 O 4 ) 3D framework with a density of 4.52 mg cm −3 through a covalent bond of aminated nanomagnetite (Fe 3 O 4 -NH 2 ) onto graphene oxide (GO) and subsequent reduction. This 3D framework exhibited high adsorption capacities to ethyl acetate (215.8 ± 11.8 g g −1 ), cyclohexane (239.7 ± 9.9 g g −1 ), acetone (149.1 ± 6.5 g g −1 ), dichloromethane (308.0 ± 16.4 g g −1 ), and sesame oil (204.7 ± 10.2 g g −1 ), which were much higher than those of pure rGO aerogel (45.6 ± 2.3 g g −1 to ethyl acetate). Meanwhile, the 3D framework demonstrated superelastic mechanical properties with a 100% recoverability during the cyclic compression loading tests under an optimal fabrication condition of 1 mg mL −1 GO concentration and 3:1 mass ratio of GO to Fe 3 O 4 -NH 2 nanoparticles. Most importantly, this rGO-Fe 3 O 4 3D framework could achieve an effective oil/water separation within only 25 s and maintained an outstanding adsorption capability to ethyl acetate after 10 cycles of the adsorption/desorption process without any obvious change, depicting an excellent recyclability and reusability. This work aims to provide a promising material for environmental control and oil/organic solvent adsorption. Graphical abstract Hyperelastic and ultra-light magnetic reduced graphene oxide 3D frameworks demonstrate a superb oil and organic solvent adsorption capacity.