A multifunctional Ag3PO4/Fe3O4/Diatomite composites: Photocatalysis, and sterilization

The Ag3PO4/Fe3O4/Diatomite composites were synthesized by the hydrothermal method, and the application of photocatalysis, adsorption and sterilization were discussed. The results showed that the degradation ratio of Ag3PO4/Fe3O4/Diatomite reached 98% when the content of Fe3O4 was 8%. The adsorption capacity of Ag3PO4/Fe3O4/Diatomite composites was 3.12 mg/g. Escherichia coli that utilized as the experimental subject was all inactivated when added Ag3PO4/Fe3O4/Diatomite composites, indicating that the Ag3PO4/Fe3O4/Diatomite composites have better sterilization effects. The probable reason is that active free radicals formed by Ag3PO4/Fe3O4/Diatomite composites under light conditions and metal ions destroy the cell wall. Due to the magnetic properties of Fe3O4, the Ag3PO4/Fe3O4/Diatomite composites are easy to be recycled in the external magnetic field Compared with pure Ag3PO4, the degradation rate of Ag3PO4/Fe3O4/Diatomite composites was still above 95% after three cycles of photocatalysis.

Automated summary

The Ag3PO4/Fe3O4/Diatomite composites synthesized by the hydrothermal method showed excellent performance in photocatalysis, adsorption, and sterilization, with high degradation rate, adsorption capacity, and effective sterilization of Escherichia coli. Additionally, the composites were easily recycled in an external magnetic field and maintained a degradation rate above 95% after multiple cycles of photocatalysis.