Synthesis of ternary rGO–ZnO–Fe3O4 nanocomposites and their application for visible light photocatalytic degradation of dyes

Abstract

The rGO–ZnO–Fe3O4 nanocomposites were synthesized by a simple, economical and environmentally benign solvothermal method. The morphology, structure and photocatalytic activity of rGO–ZnO–Fe3O4 nanocomposites were characterized, and the effects of the preparation conditions were analyzed. The 25 mg of rGO–ZnO–Fe3O4 nanocomposites performed efficient photocatalytic activity for the degradation of 25 mL of 4.79 mg/L Rhodamine B under both ultraviolet and visible light irradiation. The nanocomposites could be easily retrieved from the wastewater by extra magnetic field due to the presence of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles. After the degradation experiment was carried out five times, the degradation ratio is still close to 90% after irradiation after 5 cyclic, indicating that the rGO–ZnO–Fe3O4 nanocomposites have high stability for reuse. Therefore, the prepared rGO–ZnO–Fe3O4 nanocomposites may be a promising potential material for wastewater treatment.