TiO2/Ni nanocomposites: Biocompatible and recyclable magnetic photocatalysts

An effective, recyclable, and biocompatible photocatalyst, TiO2/Ni composite, has been successfully synthesized by coating TiO2 films onto one-dimensional (1D) Ni nanostructures. The used 1D Ni nanomaterials have urchin-like structures, which makes them easily be coated by TiO2 nanocrystals. The TiO2/Ni nanocomposites have the functions of both TiO2 and Ni. The photocatalytic and biocompatibility studies show that the composite has outstanding photocatalytic activities for the decomposition of organic pollutants and great biocompatibility. The existence of magnetic Ni nanostructure makes the composite also has good magnetic properties, which enable the photocatalysts to be easily separated and recycle-used.

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► TiO2/Ni composite was easily synthesized using urchin-like Ni structures as template.
► TiO2/Ni composite has the functions of both TiO2 and Ni.
► The composite remains great photocatalytic activity and biocompatibility of TiO2.
► The photocatalysts can be easily separated and recycle-used.