Core-shell Particle

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a magnetic core-shell particle with a core containing magnetic nanoparticles and a shell composed of a hydrophobic molecular monolayer. The shell is engineered to selectively bind hydrocarbons (such as oil) via intermolecular interactions. When these particles are introduced into contaminated water or solids containing hydrocarbons, they bind the hydrocarbons, and the particles—laden with contaminants—can be easily extracted using a magnetic field. The hydrocarbons can then be removed from the particles, allowing the particles to be reused.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Remediation of oil spills in oceans, rivers, or lakes by selectively removing oil from water surfaces or underwater.
• Cleanup of industrial wastewater containing hydrocarbon contaminants.
• Treatment and purification of sewage or stormwater that includes petroleum-based pollutants.
• Decontamination of soils or sediments polluted with hydrocarbons after chemical spills or accidents.
• Reuse in cyclical industrial separation processes involving hydrocarbons in solid or liquid streams.
• Selective capture and recovery of hydrocarbons in chemical and petrochemical processing plants.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Highly selective binding to a range of hydrocarbons for efficient removal.
• The core-shell particles can be magnetically separated, enabling fast, non-invasive, and complete recovery from treated media.
• Reusability of the particles after removing bound hydrocarbons makes the process cost-effective and sustainable.
• The method does not require harsh chemicals, reducing secondary environmental impacts compared to traditional cleanup techniques.
• Customizable surface chemistry allows targeting different types of hydrocarbons for broad applicability.
• Applicable in both liquid and solid contaminated environments, offering flexibility in environmental remediation.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a core-shell particle (1) which has a core (5) that contains a number of magnetic nanoparticles (3), and a shell (7) that encloses the core (5) and is in the form of a monolayer (9). Said shell comprises matrix molecules (11) forming a hydrophobic matrix (13) and functionalized molecules (17) integrated into said matrix (13). The shell (7) has a hydrophobic surface (21) for selectively binding to hydrocarbons (25). The invention further relates to a method according to which corresponding core-shell particles (1) are used to separate hydrocarbons (25) from a solid and/or from a liquid medium (33).