High performance magnetically recoverable Fe3O4 nanocatalysts: fast microwave synthesis and photo-fenton catalysis under visible-light

Herein we developed a rapid and efficient method via microwave solvothermal treatment to synthesize magnetically recoverable Fe3O4 nanocatalysts active under visible light. The synthesis parameters' influence on the structure, morphology, magnetic and photocatalytic properties of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated. The results obtained indicate that the proposed synthesis approach led to Fe3O4 semicrystalline nanoparticles' formation with an average size of -15 nm in just 10 min. The synthesized nanoparticles show improved magnetic properties and an excellent activity under visible-light for the degradation of reactive azo dye MO and tetracycline, i.e., -100% was removed through photocatalytic degradation in less than 10 and 90 min, respectively. The process also allowed the rapid recovery of the catalyst through the application of an external magnetic field.

Automated summary

A rapid and efficient method using microwave solvothermal treatment was developed to synthesize magnetically recoverable Fe3O4 nanocatalysts active under visible light. The synthesized nanoparticles showed improved magnetic properties and excellent activity for the degradation of reactive azo dye MO and tetracycline in a short period of time. The catalyst could be rapidly recovered through the application of an external magnetic field.