CuFe2O4@PDA magnetic nanomaterials with a core–shell structure: synthesis and catalytic application in the degradation of methylene blue in water

Abstract

In this paper, core–shell polydopamine (PDA)-encapsulated CuFe₂O₄ (CuFe₂O₄@PDA) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized through in situ self-polymerization for the first time. The size of the core–shell product can be controlled by tuning the dopamine monomer concentration. The formation of a PDA layer effectively enhanced the catalytic performance and provided a large specific surface area which offered more active sites for the effective interaction. The as-synthesized CuFe₂O₄@PDA MNPs were characterized and their catalytic activity was evaluated using the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in the presence of H₂O₂ as a model reaction. The experimental results showed that MB could be degraded efficiently using CuFe₂O₄@PDA MNPs as a catalyst. Under the optimized conditions, the degradation efficiency of MB was above 97%. Furthermore, a possible reaction mechanism was discussed. Finally, the catalyst was used for effective degradation of MB in a Yellow River water sample, which indicates its potential for practical applications in water pollutant removal and environmental remediation.