Magnetic-Responsive Janus Nanosheets with Catalytic Properties

In this article, we describe a method to fabricate magnetic-responsive Janus nanosheets with catalytic properties via the surface protection method. Fe3O4 nano particles and PW12O403--based ionic liquid are located on the two opposite sides of the Janus nanosheets, respectively. The Janus nanosheets are characterized by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and zeta-potential analyses. They are used as recyclable catalysts to the esterification reaction of methanol and oleic acid for their magnetic-responsive and catalytic properties. The esterification ratio is up to 80% and there is nearly no change when Fe3O4 nanoparticles/PW12O403--based ionic liquid composite nanosheets were recycled four times.