A Facile Synthesis of Multifunctional Iron Oxide@Ag Core–Shell Nanoparticles and Their Catalytic Applications

Abstract

AbstractA facile approach for the synthesis of iron oxide@Ag core–shell nanoparticles in which iron oxide microspheres serve as the core and the shell consists of silver nanoparticles has been reported. Thermal decomposition of silver acetate at 200 °C in the presence of iron oxide microspheres in diphenyl ether leads to the formation of iron oxide@Ag core–shell nanoparticles. The core–shell nanoparticles were characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and magnetic measurements. The catalytic activity of iron oxide@Ag core–shell nanoparticles has been demonstrated by using two reactions, namely, reduction of 4‐nitrophenol and reduction of methylene blue in aqueous solution.