Graphene/Fe3O4 nanocomposite: Interplay between photo-Fenton type reaction, and carbon purity for the removal of methyl orange

Graphene/Fe3O4 nanocomposites obtained via soft chemical methodis have been characterized for their crystallinity, morphology, microstructure,optical bandgap, vibrational modes and magnetic properties. Graphenesheets decorated with magnetite nanoparticles are employed to investigatetheir photocatalytic response against methyl orange. The study revealsthat the conducting nature of graphene, engineered bandgap and photoFenton like reaction synergistically govern the efficient photocatalyticactivity of nanocomposite. Interestingly, it is observed that methylorange can be completely removed i.e., upto 99.24% by graphene/Fe3O4 nanocomposite, whereas the removal efficiency is 43% for Fe3O4 nanoparticles, alone. The presence of graphene endows the delay in chargecarriers' recombination whereas, photo Fenton like reaction stimulatesthe generation of reactive oxygen species. This ultimately leads to thehighly enhanced photocatalytic activity and complete removal of methylorange. The magnetically separable photocatalyst, presented in thiswork, offers great prospects for fast and economical decontamination of dye polluted water.