An efficient approach for the synthesis of magnetic separable Fe3O4@TiO2 core-shell nanocomposites and its magnetic and photocatalytic performances

Abstract

A convenient and efficient approach for the synthesis of Fe3O4@TiO2 nanocomposites with core-shell structure has been demonstrated. It takes four steps for synthesis process. Oleic acid-coated monodisperse Fe3O4 nanoparticles are obtained firstly, and surface modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles are followed to proceed. Then Fe3O4@TiO2 core-shell nanocomposites are subsequently synthesized using tetrabutyl titanate (TBOT) as titanium source and some polar aprotic solvents used as the mixed solvents. The obtained core-shell structure is composed of a central Fe3O4 nanoparticle core with sequential TiO2 surface, whereas the outer TiO2 coating was useful for the degradation of organic contaminants. Different core-shell nanocomposites in different polar solution are obtained. Shell thickness of Fe3O4@TiO2 nanocomposites could be adjusted rationally by changing synthetic conditions. The measurements of the magnetic properties demonstrate that the Fe3O4@TiO2 core-shell nanocomposites exhibit magnetic behavior at room temperature. The degradation of methylene blue solution was also explored.