Application and Effect of Functional Magnetic Nanoparticles in Emulsion Preparation and Demulsification

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have attracted great attention because of their unique physiochemical properties in emulsion preparation and demulsification. This paper summarizes the synthesis, structure, and significant properties of functional magnetic nanoparticles. The application of MNPs in emulsion preparation and demulsification is also reviewed. The processes through which MNPs disperse well in liquid and stably absorb on the oil-water interface leading to the formation of films are emphatically analyzed. More importantly, their magnetic response contributed to the change in interface properties, deformation, and migration of magnetically responsive droplets in the emulsion is summarized. Then, we summarize the effects of surface properties and behaviors of MNPs on emulsion stabilization or demulsification. This study provides a theoretical support for further applications of emulsions. Finally, we propose the crucial issues to be addressed in studying the application and effect of functional magnetic nanoparticles.