Synthesis of novel magnetic superstructure TiO2 mesocrystal composites with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

The novel magnetic superstructure GO-TiO2 mesocrystal composites (Fe3O4/GO-TMC) were synthesized by solvothermal reaction process and subsequent amidation reaction using amino-functionalized Fe3O4 with different morphologies, TiO2 mesocrystals (TMC) and graphene oxide (GO). The morphology, crystallization, chemical compositions and microstructure characteristics of the magnetic Fe3O4/GO-TMC composites were investigated by different techniques. It can be confirmed that the magnetic superstructure TiO2 mesocrystal composites consist of TiO2 mesocrystals and Fe3O4 with different morphologies homogeneously anchored on graphene oxide through chemical bonding. The unique morphologies of Fe3O4 and TiO2 mesocrystals were maintained in the final magnetic composite products. The photocatalytic performances of the prepared samples were evaluated for the degradation of Rhodamine B (FthB) under visible light irradiation. The results showed the magnetic Fe3O4/GO-TMC samples were more superior to TMC and GO-TMC. The high photocatalytic efficiency could be ascribed to the advantages and synergic effects of different components in the Fe3O4/GO-TMC samples.