Synthesis and characterization of the MNP@SiO2@TiO2 nanocomposite showing strong photocatalytic activity against methylene blue dye

• Published in: Applied surface science Vol. 580; p. 152195
• Main Authors: Lacerda Fernandes, Ítalo, Pereira Barbosa, Danns, Botelho de Oliveira, Sérgio, Antônio da Silva, Valdeir, Henrique Sousa, Marcelo, Montero-Muñoz, Marly, A. H. Coaquira, José
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.04.2022
• Subjects: Hydrothermal; Magnetite; Methylene blue dye; Photodegradation; Silica; Titania; Photodegradation; Magnetite; Methylene blue dye; Titania; Silica; Hydrothermal
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2021.152195

[Display omitted] •A core–shell-shell MNP@SiO2@TiO2 nanophotocatalysts promising for wastewater treatment.•Magnetic MNP@SiO2@TiO2 nanocomposite synthesized via a well-controlled chemical route and easy reproduction.•High efficient for photo degrading of methylene blue dye.•Efficient nanocomposite recovery using magnetic field applied externaly. Multifunctional nanocomposites based on magnetic cores are being extensively studied in view of biomedical, environmental and engineering applications. In this study, we report the double-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNP), MNP@SiO2@TiO2 - nanocomposites, synthesize by solvothermal followed by sol–gel method. The obtained nanocomposites were characterize by several advanced photocatalytic techniques. The nanocomposites show an excellent photocatalytic activity reducing 95% methylene blue (MB) dye concentration within the first 30 min, which is double than the commercial TiO2, Degussa P25 (which has ability of only 47%). In addition to this, these nanocomposites can be easily separated in the application of magnetic field owing to the presence of magnetic cores. To our knowledge, there is no other material showing that strong photocatalytic action against methylene blue dye. Besides, our results indicate an stable photocatalytic activity, which is warranted, at least four times, without any significant loss of activity. Based on our results, we highly recommend MNP@SiO2@TiO2 nanocomposite for waste-water treatment and purify contaminants applications.