The design of new magnetic-photocatalyst nanocomposites (CoFe2O4–TiO2) as smart nanomaterials for recyclable-photocatalysis applications

Abstract

The current study reports the synthesis and characterisation of a new magnetic-photocatalyst (CoFe₂O₄–TiO₂) and tests its feasibility to be used as smart magnetically-recoverable nanomaterial in the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB). 3D urchin-like TiO₂ microparticles are hydrothermally prepared and decorated with CoFe₂O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) through a co-precipitation method. The as-prepared CoFe₂O₄–3D TiO₂ nanocomposites show an enhancement in the photodegradation of MB as compared to the commercial rutile-phase TiO₂ and the pure urchin-like TiO₂ (3D TiO₂) microparticles. Such an enhancement could be accredited to the lower recombination rate of the photoexcited charge carriers of the CoFe₂O₄–3D TiO₂ nanocomposites. Furthermore, the CoFe₂O₄–3D TiO₂ nanocomposite is magnetically-retrievable for sequential recycling, and the results indicate that the nanocomposite shows a relatively consistent photocatalytic performance with negligible degradation. Thus, the current study would offer a potential route for the design and processing of a value-added photocatalyst nanocomposite that will contribute to the advancement of photocatalysis studies.