Magnetically recoverable hybrid TiO2 nanocrystal clusters with enhanced photocatalytic activity

We report a facile route to the synthesis of hybrid nanoclusters consisting of Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2 core/shell structured nanoparticles and TiO2 nanocrystals. The hybrid nanoclusters were synthesized by a solvothermal reaction and produced well-defined anatase crystalline TiO2 without a calcination process. Enhanced photocatalytic activity was achieved due to the high crystallinity and large surface area of the nanoclusters. Furthermore, the nanoclusters could be recovered from the suspension simply by applying an external magnetic field. The recovered nanoclusters were found to maintain their initial photocatalytic activity after at least ten cycles of use.

► The Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles synthesized by a solvothermal reaction.
► Well-defined anatase crystalline TiO2 shells without a calcination process.
► Enhanced photocatalytic activity due to the high crystallinity and large surface area of the nanoclusters.
► Simply recoverable photocatalyst nanoparticles by applying an external magnetic field.