Photodegradation of quinoline in water over magnetically separable Fe3O4/TiO2 composite photocatalysts

Magnetically recoverable Fe3O4/TiO2 composites were prepared via a modified sol–gel method at a low temperature of 80 °C. Photocatalytic evaluation showed the relative quantity of Fe3O4 to TiO2 played an overwhelming role in the photocatalytic activity of Fe3O4/TiO2 composite. Superior photocatalytic activity was achieved, which was 25.6% higher than that of P25. The Fe3O4/TiO2 composites could be readily recovered from the reaction solution by using a permanent magnetic bar and their photocatalytic activity remained 95.6% after three cycles of repetitive use.

► Magnetically separable Fe3O4/TiO2 composites were prepared at low temperature. ► The relative quantity of Fe3O4 to TiO2 affected the magnetic property and the photocatalytic activity. ► 25.6% higher activity was achieved comparing to P25. ► Fe3O4/TiO2 could be recovered and reused with high activity remained (95.6%).