Efficient visible light magnetic modified iron oxide photocatalysts

Magnetite iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized via simple co-precipitation method using ferrous and ferric ions salts. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were modified by silica and titania. Pure and modified nanoparticles were employed for dye degradation under visible light. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated inverse spinel structure of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The particle size of magnetite nanoparticles is decreased due to coating of silica and titania. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy indicated the spherical morphology for all samples. The synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles were ferromagnetic in nature with highest saturation magnetization value of 1.1034 emu as compared to silica and titania coated samples. Fourier transform infra-red spectra confirmed the incorporation of magnetite nanoparticles with silica and titania. Titania modified magnetite sample showed the highest photocatalytic activity as compared to silica modified magnetite nanoparticles and bare iron oxide under visible light irradiations.