Effect of flowrate on the size segregation of magnetic nanoparticles by using continuous flow magnetic separator

¹ Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 31900 Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
² School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal, Penang 14300, Malaysia

^* Corresponding author: leongss@utar.edu.my

Abstract

Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNPs) possess significant potential across various sectors due to their versatility. However, specific MNP sizes are crucial for effective utilization. Traditional methods for synthesizing monodispersed MNPs are often expensive, complex, or environmentally harmful. This study proposes the effect of flow rate on the size segregation of MNPs using a continuous flow low gradient magnetic separator (CFLGMS). To produce MNPs that are monodispersed, firstly, MNPs undergo functionalization with the polyelectrolyte, poly (sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS), to enhance colloidal stability. Employing PSS molecules as splicing agents effectively inhibits MNP aggregation. To further enhance the monodispersity of MNPs, continuous flow is facilitated by configuring three separator columns in series, with permanent magnets (NdFeB) attached to the sides. As larger MNPs exhibit stronger magnetic field attraction, resulting in their capture by magnets first, followed by smaller MNPs, and finally the smallest ones. Consequently, MNPs captured in Column 1 possess the largest size, while those in Column 3 have the smallest size. Additionally, this paper investigates the impact of solution flowrate on size segregation efficiency. By varying the solution flow rate (10 mL/min, 15 mL/min, and 20 mL/min), it is found that the performance of the size segregation system is higher under the lower solution flowrate.