Abstract
In this work, we report the enhanced catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol driven by Fe3O4-Au magnetic nanocomposite interface engineering. A facile solvothermal method is employed for Fe3O4 hollow microspheres and Fe3O4-Au magnetic nanocomposite synthesis via a seed deposition process. Complementary structural, chemical composition and valence state studies validate that the as-obtained samples are formed in a pure magnetite phase. A series of characterizations including conventional scanning/transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), Mössbauer spectroscopy, magnetic testing and elemental mapping is conducted to unveil the structural and physical characteristics of the developed Fe3O4-Au magnetic nanocomposites. By adjusting the quantity of Au seeds coating on the polyethyleneimine-dithiocarbamates (PEI-DTC)-modified surfaces of Fe3O4 hollow microspheres, the correlation between the amount of Au seeds and the catalytic ability of Fe3O4-Au magnetic nanocomposites for 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) is investigated systematically. Importantly, bearing remarkable recyclable features, our developed Fe3O4-Au magnetic nanocomposites can be readily separated with a magnet. Such Fe3O4-Au magnetic nanocomposites shine the light on highly efficient catalysts for 4-NP reduction at the mass production level.
Highlights
Nowadays, numerous nitroaromatic compounds have been discharged into rivers with the overuse of dyes, explosives and pesticides in industry, causing serious water pollution [1]
RInDcrpeaasttienrgnasdisdiptiroonpotirmtieosnoalf tgooltdheseceodntceonlltosiodfs tehnahtapnhcaesdetihnetdhieffmraicxttiounre. pIenackrseaosifnAg uad, dimitipolnyitnimgetshoaft gtohled nseuemdbceorllooifdstheenhgaonlcdedsetehdesdicfofraatcintigonthpeeaskusrofafcAesu,oifmFpely3Oin4ghtohlaltotwhe mniucrmobsperheorfetshiengcoreldasseese. ds coating the surfaces of Fe3O4 hollow microspheres increases
Fe3O4-Au magnetic nanocomposites were prepared by a well-developed seed deposition method
Summary
Numerous nitroaromatic compounds have been discharged into rivers with the overuse of dyes, explosives and pesticides in industry, causing serious water pollution [1]. Au NPs have been intensely employed for the catalytic reduction of a variety of organic pollutants [25]. The use of the mediating “glue” layer of polymers supplying a certain kind of functional group is necessary, which can combine Au NPs with Fe3O4 hollow microspheres, and enhance the stability, water solubility and the biocompatibility of nanomaterials [40]. TThhee pprreeppaarraattiioonn aanndd ccaattaallyyttiicc pprroocceessss ttoo 44--NNPP ooff tthhee FFee33OO44--AAuu mmaaggnneettiicc nnaannooccoommppoossiitteess aarree sshhoowwnn iinn FFiigguurree 11. Synthesis of Fe3O4 Hollow Microspheres In a typical synthesis process for the Fe3O4 hollow microspheres, 1.62 g FeCl3·6H2O were dispersed in 60 mL EG into a beaker with mechanical stirring at room temperature. In a typical synthesis process for the Fe3O4 hollow microspheres, 1.62 g FeCl3·6H2O were dispersed in 60 mL EG into a beaker with mechanical stirring at room temperature. After the samples were cooled to room temperature naturally, the products were obtained by centrifuging, sequentially rinsed with ethanol and deionized water for five times and subsequently dried under vacuum at 60 ◦C over night to obtain the Fe3O4 hollow microspheres
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