Synthesis and characterization of the MNP@SiO2@TiO2 nanocomposite showing strong photocatalytic activity against methylene blue dye

Multifunctional nanocomposites based on magnetic cores are being extensively studied in view of biomedical, environmental and engineering applications. In this study, we report the double-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNP), MNP@SiO2@TiO2 - nanocomposites, synthesize by solvothermal followed by sol-gel method. The obtained nanocomposites were characterize by several advanced photocatalytic techniques. The nanocomposites show an excellent photocatalytic activity reducing 95% methylene blue (MB) dye concentration within the first 30 min, which is double than the commercial TiO2, Degussa P25 (which has ability of only 47%). In addition to this, these nanocomposites can be easily separated in the application of magnetic field owing to the presence of magnetic cores. To our knowledge, there is no other material showing that strong photocatalytic action against methylene blue dye. Besides, our results indicate an stable photocatalytic activity, which is warranted, at least four times, without any significant loss of activity. Based on our results, we highly recommend MNP@SiO2@TiO(2 )nanocomposite for waste-water treatment and purify contaminants applications.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates that the double-coated magnetic nanoparticles nanocomposites exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity with strong degradation capability against methylene blue dye, as well as high stability. These nanocomposites have great potential for applications in wastewater treatment and purifying contaminants.