Synthesis and application of magnetically recyclable nanocatalyst Fe3O4@Nico@Cu in the reduction of azo dyes

A novel method for synthesizing magnetically recyclable nanocatalyst Fe3O4@Nico@Cu (Nico = nicotinic acid) was introduced. The structural, morphological, and magnetic properties of the nanocatalyst were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. Finally, Fe3O4@Nico@Cu was examined toward the hydrogenation of azo dyes methyl orange, methylene blue, eosin Y, and rhodamine B. The nanocatalyst showed excellent reusability properties that remained unchanged after several catalytic cycles. Therefore, the current findings show the potential of the prepared Fe3O4@Nico@Cu nanocatalyst as a candidate for application in the purification of organic aqueous pollutants for wastewater treatment.

Graphical AbstractA novel method for synthesis of recyclable Cu nanocatalyst on Fe3O4@Nico magnetic nanoparticles (MRC) was introduced. Fe3O4@Nico@Cu MRC was successfully applied for hydrogenation of azo dyes, and methyl orange (MO), methylene blue (MB), eosin Y (EY), and rhodamine B (RhB) were studied.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide