Recyclable Fe3O4@SiO2-Ag magnetic nanospheres for the rapid decolorizing of dye pollutants

A simple electroless plating method using non-toxic, cost-effective precursors to fabricate Fe3O4@SiO2-Ag nanospheres for catalytic reduction of dye pollutants is developed. Incorporating the individual advantages of Ag and Fe3O4 nanoparticles, the Fe3O4@SiO2-Ag nanospheres exhibit enhanced catalytic reduction efficiency for rhodamine B and eosin Y compared with those of pure Ag or Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and can also be rapidly separated from aqueous solution using a magnet. The catalytic reaction rate is strongly dependent on both reaction temperature and Fe3O4@SiO2-Ag dosage. The presence of surfactants and inorganic salt (Na2SO4) influences the catalytic activity of the Fe3O4@SiO2-Ag nanospheres. Fe3O4@SiO2-Ag nanospheres show great promise for the treatment of industrial dye pollutants.

Show STEM image of Fe3O4@SiO2-Ag nanospheres and their catalytic mechanism for reduction of rhodamine B and eosin Y in the presence of NaBH4. The catalytic activity depends on the Ag nanoparticles on the surface of Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide