One-step solvothermal synthesis of Ag-Fe3O4 composite as a magnetically recyclable catalyst for reduction of Rhodamine B

In this study, we reported the synthesis and characterization of the Ag-Fe3O4 composite based on the one-step ethylenediamine (EDA)-assisted solvothermal process without adding any surfactants. The as-prepared composite displayed the hybrid structures, where the uniform Fe3O4 spheres were attached on the surface of the irregular Ag particles. The formation mechanism of the composite was investigated by the designed time-dependent experiments. The catalytic performance of the composite was tested for reduction of Rhodamine B (RhB) in the presence of NaBH4, which indicated that the composite had an excellent catalytic activity, convenient magnetic separability, and long-term stability for RhB reduction.

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► A facile one-step solvothermal route was developed to synthesize the Ag-Fe3O4 composite.
► The Ag-Fe3O4 composite exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the Rh B reduction.
► The Ag-Fe3O4 composite had convenient magnetic separability and good reusability.