Core-shell Fe3O4@catechol-formaldehyde trapped satellite-like silver nanoparticles toward catalytic reduction in cationic and anionic dyes

Noble metal nanoparticles have excellent catalytic properties for organic dyes, and finding suitable carriers to deal with the extremely agglomerated noble metal nanoparticles has become a hot research topic. In this work, phenolic resin with strong sticky similar to mussel was obtained by polycondensation, Fe3O4 NPs were obtained by hydrothermal method, and a core-shell Fe3O4@catechol-formaldehyde trapped satellite-like silver nanoparticles (denoted as Fe3O4@CFR@Ag) were obtained by reduction of Fe3O4@CFR loaded silver without external reducing agent. The existence of CFR shell ensured the silver nanoparticles were distributed like a satellite. Fe3O4@CFR@Ag exhibited excellent catalytic selective activity and recoverability for organic dyes. In particular, the catalytic performance of Fe3O4@CFR@Ag for the cationic dye methylene blue MB was higher than that of the anionic dye methyl orange MO due to electrostatic interactions. The Fe3O4@CFR core-shell structure with simple synthesis and friendly to the environment will be a reliable platform to realize multi-functionalization of nanomaterials.

Automated summary

Through the design of nanostructured core-shell materials, efficient and selective catalysis of organic dyes has been achieved, with good recyclability and environmental friendliness.