Magnetite-metal organic framework core@shell for degradation of ampicillin antibiotic in aqueous solution

Fe3O4@SiO2@MIL-53-NH2 (Al) nanocomposite (FeSi@MN NC) in core@shell structure was prepared by the synthesis of NH2-MIL-53 (Al) on the Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles (FeSi NPs) using hydrothermal method. For synthesis of NH2-MIL-53 (Al) on FeSi NPs, the salt linker was used instead of protonated linker. The NC was used as an active photocatalyst for photodegradation of ampicillin (AMP) in aqueous solution. Diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) studies showed that the FeSi@MN NC absorbs visible light irradiation, and therefore, it can be photoactivated under visible light. The TEM image of FeSi@MN NC indicated the rose-leaves of the NH2-MIL53(Al) have been well encapsulated on the surface of FeSi sample. The results showed that the FeSi@MN core@shell has the larger surface area, suitable superparamagnetism, and good photocatalytic activity for degradation of AMP. The FeSi@MN core-shell exhibited higher photocatalytic activity compared to Fe3O4@SiO2@MIL-53 (Al) (FeSi@M) core@shell.