Magnetic hierarchical porous carbon sphere prepared for removal of organic pollutants in water

Abstract A magnetic hierarchical porous carbon sphere was synthesized by a simple, facile and inexpensive ion exchange route, in which the magnetic Fe 3 O 4 particles are dispersed in the sample. The magnetic hierarchical porous carbon sphere was characterized by combined techniques including X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N 2 adsorption desorption isotherms and the magnetization curve. This magnetic hierarchical porous carbon sphere has high surface area (986 m 2 /g), macroscopic sphere, hierarchical porosity (micropores, mesopores and macropores), and good magnetic separability properties. High surface area of this magnetic hierarchical porous carbon sphere showed an efficient adsorption capacity (152 mg/g) for organic pollutants (methyl orange) in water and can be easily separated from water by external magnetic field.