The invention provides a preparation method and application of a pH sensitive type magnetic 
demulsifier with 
surface charges and hydrophilic-hydrophobic properties controlled. Based on magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles, through 
surface modification with 
silicon dioxide and a 
grafting copolymerization reaction, surface active monomers and pH sensitive 
monomer copolymer chains are introduced on the surfaces of the nanoparticles, and the surface 
grafting structure and the pH value are further adjusted to control the 
surface charges and hydrophilic-hydrophobic properties of the 
magnetic nanoparticles. The reduction of the pH value can enhance the hydrophobic property of the 
magnetic nanoparticles and reduce 
negative charge repulsive interaction between the 
demulsifier and oil droplets so that the 
demulsifier can be absorbed onto the surfaces of the 
emulsified oil droplets and quickly isolate the 
emulsified oil droplets under the action of an external 
magnetic field. Recycling of the 
magnetic nanoparticles can be achieved, and the demulsifier is be unlikely to be affected by 
pollution of negative-
ion surface active materials in 
emulsified oil wastewater. According to the magnetic demulsifier, the preparation method is simple, the recycling process is convenient and efficient, the recycling performance is excellent, and therefore the magnetic demulsifier has very board application prospects in the fields of emulsified oil 
wastewater treatment and oil-water separation.