As-synthesized Nanocomposites Research Articles

Investigation of annealing effects on TiO2 nanotubes synthesized by a hydrothermal method for hybrid solar cells

In this work, we have synthesized titanium dioxide nanotubes using the hydrothermal method. The obtained nanotubes were annealed at 400 °C and 600 °C to investigate the effect of annealing on the crystallinity of nanotubes. The synthesized nanotubes were then sensitized by a conducting polymer poly [2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1, 4-phenylenevinylene] (MEHPPV) in order to compose an improved donor: acceptor system for hybrid solar cell application. To elucidate the formation of nanotubes and then their corresponding polymer nanocomposites, morphological studies were done using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The absorbance properties of modified TiO2 nanotubes in the polymer matrix of MEHPPV were investigated by UV–Vis absorption spectra. Furthermore, the charge transfer properties were studied by ensuing quenching effect in as-synthesized polymer nanocomposites. The extension of the study involved utilization of these polymer nanocomposites in solar cells that involved a comparative study of the hybrid nanocomposites based solar cells and obtaining their I–V characteristics in order to realize the fabrication of an efficient photovoltaic device.

Facile synthesis of rGO/SmFe5O12/CoFe2O4 ternary nanocomposites: Composition control for superior broadband microwave absorption performance

It is still a challenge to design and synthesize ferrite-based composites with strong absorption capability and broad frequency bandwidth. In this work, firstly, the binary Sm3Fe5O12/CoFe2O4 composites with different mass ratio of Sm3Fe5O12 to CoFe2O4 are synthesized by a facile hydrothermal process. Next, adding 10 mg graphite oxide (GO) into Sm3Fe5O12/CoFe2O4 solution, series of novel reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/Sm3Fe5O12/CoFe2O4 ternary nanocomposites are fabricated using a one-pot hydrothermal technique. The microstructure, morphology, chemical composition and magnetic property of as-synthesized nanocomposites are characterized by XRD, Raman, TEM, SEM, XPS and VSM. The magnetic performance of Sm3Fe5O12 changes with the addition of CoFe2O4 and rGO. The microwave absorption measurement is carried out by vector network analyzer, where the as-synthesized samples exhibit excellent and tunable microwave adsorption performance. Herein, introducing CoFe2O4 and rGO into Sm2Fe5O12 can effectively tune its dielectric and magnetic loss. Encouragingly, when the mass ratio of Sm3Fe5O12 to CoFe2O4 is 1:3, the rGO/Sm3Fe5O12/CoFe2O4 ternary nanocomposite possesses the maximum reflection loss (RL) of −73.71 dB at 14.88 GHz with a thickness of 2.09 mm. The effective bandwidth (RL < −10 dB) of the as-synthesized sample is 7.12 GHz (from 10.80 to 17.92 GHz) with a thickness of 2.18 mm, which is higher than that of most microwave absorbers reported previously. Noticeably, the superior microwave adsorption performance of as-synthesized samples can be mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of dipole polarization, interfacial polarization, natural resonance, eddy current loss, multiple scattering and reflection. These results show that the as-synthesized rGO/Sm3Fe5O12/CoFe2O4 ternary composites are promising candidates for the application in microwave adsorption with high reflection loss, broad bandwidth, lightweight and thin thickness.

A novel non-invasive strategy for low-level laser-induced cancer therapy by using new Ag/ZnO and Nd/ZnO functionalized reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites

In the present research, an effective drug-free approach was developed to kill MCF7 breast cancer cells using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) combined with reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based hybrid nanocomposites (NCs). Here, fruit extract of Rosa canina was used for the first time to obtain the rGO/ZnO, Ag-ZnO/rGO and Nd-ZnO/rGO NCs by green synthesis. Physico/photochemical properties of these NCs were evaluated using FTIR, XRD, Raman, XPS, SEM/EDX, UV-Vis, DLS and AFM. The potential of the as-synthesized NCs on ROS generating and antioxidant activity were assessed by DPPH. After optimizing the proper concentration of the NCs their anti-tumoral efficacy were evaluated by DAPI staining and MTT assay tests for laser therapy on MCF7 breast cancer cells. Interestingly, cell death was increased dramatically by increasing irradiation dose from 8–32 J/cm2 and then decreased by enhancing laser dose. The maximum amount of cell death is 50% which was observed in the presence of ZnO/rGO 20% by irradiation dose of 32 J/cm2. Furthermore, in comparison with 810 nm, 630 nm lasers were more effective in LLLT of MCF7 cells. The results show the potential of using rGO-based NCs in LLLT, which may be combined with other therapeutic approaches to assist our fight against cancer.

Neuron-Inspired Fe3O4/Conductive Carbon Filament Network for High-Speed and Stable Lithium Storage.

Construction of a continuous conductance network with high electron-transfer rate is extremely important for high-performance energy storage. Owing to the highly efficient mass transport and information transmission, neurons are exactly a perfect model for electron transport, inspiring us to design a neuron-like reaction network for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with Fe3O4 as an example. The reactive cores (Fe3O4) are protected by carbon shells and linked by carbon filaments, constituting an integrated conductance network. Thus, once the reaction starts, the electrons released from every Fe3O4 cores are capable of being transferred rapidly through the whole network directly to the external circuit, endowing the nanocomposite with tremendous rate performance and ultralong cycle life. After 1000 cycles at current densities as high as 1 and 2 A g-1, charge capacities of the as-synthesized nanocomposite maintain 971 and 715 mA h g-1, respectively, much higher than those of reported Fe3O4-based anode materials. The Fe3O4-based conductive network provides a new idea for future developments of high-rate-performance LIBs.

Topical Application of Keratinocyte Growth Factor Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles Accelerate Wound Healing

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) has been demonstrated to specifically stimulate the multiplication and migration of keratinocytes. However, due to rapid degradation, the results of topical application of growth factors on wounds are unsatisfactory. In this study, we cross-linked KGF to the surface of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and explored their effects on wound healing. The as-synthesized nanocomposite (KGF-GNPs) displayed good colloidal stability, decent biocompatibility as well as negligible cellular cytotoxicity. The in vitro cellular experimental results demonstrated that KGF-GNPs could effectively promote the proliferation of keratinocytes in contrast to bare GNPs or KGF. Furthermore, in animal full-thickness wound model, KGF-GNPs are more conducive to wound healing than bare GNPs or KGF. KGF-GNPs enhanced wound healing by promoting wound re-epithelialization rather than granulation. The superior biocompatibility, colloidal depressiveness and biological activity of this nanocomposite indicate that it could be utilized as a promising wound healing drug for clinical application in the future.

Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of Mn2O3/Al2O3/Fe2O3 nanocomposite for degradation of malachite green

A Mn2O3/Al2O3/Fe2O3 nanocomposite photocatalyst was prepared by a co-precipitation method. Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and UV–Vis diffuse absorption spectroscopy (UV–Vis DAS) were employed to study elemental composition, functional group identification, structure, morphology, and band gap of the as-synthesized nanocomposite. The highest photodegradation efficiency was recorded for the sample containing the 10/10/80 percentages composition of Mn2O3/Al2O3/Fe2O3, respectively. The average crystallite size calculated from XRD for this sample was 40 nm. UV-Vis diffuse absorbance of the sample showed strong absorption in visible region at 550 nm, which is comparable to Fe2O3 which has absorption at 563.6 nm. This confirmed that coupling with alumina and manganese oxide did not contribute to the band gap narrowing but to delay the electron-hole recombination as witnessed by the highest photodegradation efficiency. KEY WORDS: Co-precipitation method, Nanocomposite, Photocatalyst, Photodegradation, Malachite green Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2018, 32(1), 101-109DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v32i1.9

Bismuth oxide cocatalyst and copper oxide sensitizer in Cu2O/TiO2/Bi2O3 ternary photocatalyst for efficient hydrogen production under solar light irradiation

A novel Cu2O/TiO2/Bi2O3 ternary nanocomposite was prepared, in which copper oxide improves the visible light absorption of TiO2 and bismuth oxide improves electron–hole separation. The ternary composite exhibited extended absorption in the visible region, as determined by UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy images showed close contact among the individual semiconductor oxides in the ternary Cu2O/TiO2/Bi2O3 nanocomposite. Improved charge carrier separation and transport were observed in the Cu2O/TiO2/Bi2O3 ternary composite using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and photocurrent analysis. TiO2 modified with bismuth and copper oxides showed exceptional photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production under natural solar light. With optimum bismuth and copper oxide loadings, the Cu2O/TiO2/Bi2O3 ternary nanocomposite exhibited an H2 production (3678 μmol/h) 35 times higher than that of bare TiO2 (105 μmol/h). The synergistic effect of improved visible absorption and minimal recombination was responsible for the enhanced performance of the as-synthesized ternary nanocomposite.

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SIO2/POLY(METHYL METHACRYLATE) CORE/SHELL NANOCOMPOSITES VIA RAFT POLYMERIZATION

This article describes the fabrication of SiO2 nanoparticles grafted with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) via a fascinating reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization by adopting “grafting from” approach. The silane coupling agent, S-benzyl S’-trimethoxysilylpropyltrithiocarbonate, was anchored onto SiO2 nanoparticles in a simple procedure using a ligand exchange reaction. RAFT agents-anchored SiO2 nanoparticles were then used for the surface-initiated RAFT polymerization of MMA to fabricate structurally well-defined, core-shell SiO2-g-PMMA nanocomposites. The structure and properties of the as-synthesized nanocomposites were investigated by Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectrophotometry (FT-IR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM).

CONSTRUCTING POLYSTYRENE BRUSHES ON TIO2 NANOPARTICLES BY IN SITU REVERSIBLE ADDITION FRAGMENTATION CHAIN TRANSFER POLYMERIZATION

This paper presents the preparation of polystyrene functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles using the reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The surface of TiO2 NPs with an average particle size of about 5 nm was modified by S-benzyl S’-trimethoxysilylpropyltrithiocarbonate in order to obtain the RAFT agent functionalized TiO2 NPs (TiO2-RAFT). Subsequently, styrene was radically polymerized through the immobilized RAFT agent on the silica surface, in the presence of 2,2’-azobisisobutylnitrile (AIBN) as an initiator, to achieve the TiO2-g-PS nanocomposite. The characteristics of the as-synthesized nanocomposite were determined using FT-IR, EDX, XPS, TGA, XRD, TEM and SEM analyses.

In-situ synthesis of visible-light responsive Ag2O/graphene oxide nanocomposites and effect of graphene oxide content on its photocatalytic activity

Ag2O/graphene oxide nanocomposites, as efficient photocatalysts, were prepared by an in situ method using AgNO3 and graphene oxide as reactants under controlled atmosphere. Graphene oxide is synthesised via an eco-friendly method, and the Ag2O nanoparticles displaying elongated spherical morphology are randomly distributed on the surface of GO. The as-synthesised nanocomposites were characterised by different characterisation techniques. The results proved that the concentration of graphene oxide in starting solution displayed an important role in photocatalytic performance of Ag2O/graphene oxide nanocomposites. The nanocomposite materials were found to exhibit very improved photocatalytic activity for degrading methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (Rh-B) under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activities of the composite were higher than that of P25 (a commercial TiO2 as a benchmark photocatalyst). The significantly improved photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites could be attributed to the high charge separation and suppressed recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs due to GO. The effects of reaction parameters such as pH and the effect of different scavengers on the photocatalytic activity of the composite were studied.

Fabrication of sensitive non-enzymatic nitrite sensor using silver-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite

There are increasing demands of more sensitive sensors for monitoring potential hazards in real water that may cause serious problems to human health. Herein, we report the development of a non-enzymatic nitrite sensor using nanocomposite of reduced graphene oxide decorated with silver nanoparticle (Ag-rGO). First, Ag-rGO nanocomposite was synthesized using a facile and cost-effective microwave-assisted approach. Then, as-synthesized Ag-rGO nanocomposite was used to modify glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and applied for the sensitive and selective detection of nitrite in the aqueous medium with increasing concentration of nitrite. Under optimized conditions, sensor achieved high sensitive response (18.4 μA/μM·cm2) in a wide linear range (0.1–120 μM), low limit of detection (∼0.012 μM), and good selectivity using differential pulse voltammograms (DPV). The applicability of fabricated non-enzymatic nitrite sensor was checked in real sample with satisfactory results.

Non-enzymatic voltammetric glucose sensor made of ternary NiO/Fe3O4-SH/para-amino hippuric acid nanocomposite

The present study has been focused on a facile strategy to fabricate an electrochemical sensor based on nickel oxide decorated Fe3O4 nanoparticles/poly(p-aminohippuric acid)-sodium dodecyl sulfate nanocomposite immobilized on the modified glassy carbon electrode (NiO@ Fe3O4-SH/PPAH-SDS/GCE). PPAH-SDS film was prepared by electropolymerization and nickel oxide nanostructures were deposited on the Fe3O4-SH/PPAH-SDS by electrochemical method. The as-synthesized nanocomposite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) for morphological and elemental analysis, respectively and the electrochemical characteristics were studied by the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. The differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used for the sensitive determination of glucose in alkaline solution in two linear concentration ranges, 0.1–10.0μM and 10.0–300.0μM, with a detection limit of 0.13μM (S/N=3) based on the first linear range. Meanwhile, the presented sensor showed a promising performance for the quantification of glucose in human serum as a real sample reflecting the practicability of fabricated glucose sensor.

Magnetic Cu-MOFs embedded within graphene oxide nanocomposites for enhanced preconcentration of benzenoid-containing insecticides

Hybrid magnetic nanocomposites based on Cu-MOFs, graphene oxide (GO), and Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared via chemical bonding approach, which GO were used as platforms to load nanostructured Cu-MOFs and Fe3O4 NPs. The composite features both magnetic separation characteristics and high MOFs porosity, making it an excellent adsorbent for magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE). The as-synthesized nanocomposites are characterized by XRD, TGA, SEM, TEM, nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy. The composites are used in MSPE of six aromatic insecticides from various real samples prior to their quantification by HPLC. Amount of adsorbent, extraction times, extraction temperature, desorption times and oscillation rate are optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the method has a relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 1.9–2.7%, and good linearity (correlation coefficients higher than 0.9931). The low LOD and LOQ for six insecticides are found to be 0.30–1.58μgL-1 and 1.0–5.2μgL-1, respectively. The RSDs of within batch extraction are 1.6–9.5% and 3.9–12% for batch to batch extraction. The experimental results suggest that the nanocomposites have potential application for removal of hazardous pollutants from effluents.

Sandwiched Fe3O4/Carboxylate Graphene Oxide Nanostructures Constructed by Layer-by-Layer Assembly for Highly Efficient and Magnetically Recyclable Dye Removal

Two-dimensional (2D) carbon nanomaterials generally display some limitations in adsorption applications due to easy agglomeration. To solve this problem, as-synthesized sandwiched nanocomposites made of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, poly(allylamine) hydrochloride molecules, and carboxylate graphene oxide sheets were prepared using a layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly method. The successfully synthesized sandwiched structures in the present nanocomposites have outstanding organic dye adsorption performance, stability, and recycling. The agglomeration of carboxylate graphene oxide was reduced with increased specific surface area because the Fe3O4 nanoparticles play important roles in interpenetrating and supporting graphene oxide sheets layers. In comparison with other kinds of composite adsorbents, the preparation process of the present new sandwiched composite materials is facile to operate and regulate, which demonstrates potential large-scale applications in wastewater treatment and dye removal.

One pot synthesis of carbon dots decorated carboxymethyl cellulose- hydroxyapatite nanocomposite for drug delivery, tissue engineering and Fe3+ ion sensing

In this work, carbon dots conjugated carboxymethyl cellulose-hydroxyapatite nanocomposite has been synthesized by one-pot synthesis method and used for multiple applications like metal ion sensing, osteogenic activity, bio-imaging and drug carrier. The structure and morphology of the nanocomposite were systematically characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA, FESEM, TEM and DLS. Results clearly demonstrated the formation of fluorescent enabled carbon dots conjugated nanocomposite from carboxymethyl cellulose-hydroxyapatite nanocomposite by a simple thermal treatment. The synthesized nanocomposite is smaller than 100 nm and exhibits fluorescence emission band around 440 nm upon excitation with 340 nm wavelength. In the meantime, the nanocomposite was loaded with a chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin to evaluate the drug loading potential of synthesized nanocomposite. Moreover, the as-synthesized nanocomposite showed good osteogenic properties for bone tissue engineering and also exhibited excellent selectivity and sensitivity towards Fe3+ ions.

Effective reduction of p-nitrophenol by silver nanoparticle loaded on magnetic Fe3O4/ATO nano-composite

A silver loaded hematite (Fe3O4) and antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) magnetic nano-composite (Ag-Fe3O4/ATO) was successfully synthesized by in situ one pot green and facile hydrothermal process. The formation of nano-composite, its structure, morphology, and stability were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), electron diffraction spectroscopy (EDS), elemental mapping by high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). UV–vis spectroscopy was used to monitor the catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol (PNP) into p-aminophenol (PAP) in presence of Ag-Fe3O4/ATO nano-composite with excess of sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The pseudo-first order kinetic equation could describe the reduction of p-nitrophenol with excess of NaBH4. For the first time, ATO surface was used for hydrothermal growth of silver and iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles. The in situ growth of these nanoparticles provided an effective bonding of components of the nano-composite over the surface of ATO nanoparticles. This nano-composite exhibited easy synthesis, high stability, cost effective and rapid separation using external magnet. The excellent catalytic and anti-bacterial activity of as-synthesized silver nano-composite makes it potential nano-catalyst for waste water treatment as well as biomedical application.

Natural pigment sensitized solar cells based on ZnO-TiO2-Fe2O3 nanocomposite in quasi-solid state electrolyte system

Nanocomposites of Zn-Ti-Fe oxide using zinc as a host with different ratios of precursor salts were prepared by co-precipitation method to use as semiconductors for dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The as-synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. DSSCs based on the new semiconductors and di-tetrabutylammoniumcis-bis(isothiocyanato)bis(2,2’-bipyridyl-4,4’-dicarboxylato)-ruthenium(II) (N719) dye has been constructed and characterized. Stability towards dissolution of deposited films of semiconductors in the acidic dye and conversion efficiency was obtained in the order of: ZnO(100%) &lt;ZnO(70%)-TiO2(30%) &lt;ZnO(70%)-Fe2O3(30%) &lt;ZnO(60%)-TiO2(20%)-Fe2O3(20%). Natural pigments were also extracted using ethanol and water as solvents from flowers of Guizotia scabra and Salvia leucantha plants. From UV-Vis spectra analysis all ethanol extracts of natural sensitizers absorb in the visible region. DSSCs were constructed using the natural pigments as sensitizers. The following best device parameter was achieved by the ethanol extract of Salvia leucantha and ZnO-TiO2-Fe2O3 nanocomposite semiconductor. When the potential is scanned: a Voc of 280 mV, Jsc of 0.01761 mAcm-2 at light intensity of 100 mWcm-2 were obtained; the maximum IPCE % was 1.7 and 25.7 for the N719 dye and Salvia luecantha, respectively. KEY WORDS: Nanocomposite, Co-precipitation method, Semiconductor, Dye sensitized solar cell, Natural pigments, Conversion efficiency Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2017, 31(2), 263-279. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v31i2.8

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles supported copper(II) and nickel(II) Schiff base complexes: Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial activity and enzyme immobilization

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were prepared by sol-gel method and functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Schiff base grafted mesoporous silica nanoparticle was synthesized by the condensation of 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde and amine-functionalized MSNs. The latter material was then treated with Cu(II) and Ni(II) salts separately to obtain copper and nickel complexes anchored mesoporous composites. The newly prepared hybrid organic-inorganic nanocomposites have been characterized by several techniques such as FT-IR, LA-XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, EDS, BET and TGA. The results showed all samples have MCM-41 type ordered mesoporous structure and functionalization occurs mainly inside the mesopore channel. The presence of all elements in synthesized nanocomposites and the coordination of Schiff base via imine nitrogen and phenolate oxygen were confirmed. MSNs and all functionalized MSNs have uniform spherical nanoparticles with a mean diameter less than 100nm. The as-synthesized mesoporous nanocomposites were investigated for antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (B. subtilis and S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) bacteria, as carrier for gentamicin and also for immobilization of DNase, coagulase and amylase enzymes. MSN-SB-Ni indicated bacteriocidal effect against S.aureus and all compounds were found to be good carrier for gentamicin. Results of enzyme immobilization for DNase and coagulase and α-amylase revealed that supported metal complexes efficiently immobilized enzymes.

Fenton-like oxidation of azo dye in aqueous solution using magnetic Fe3O4-MnO2 nanocomposites as catalysts

In order to overcome the drawback of the low degree of separation from an aqueous solution of MnO2, Fe3O4-MnO2 core-shell nanocomposites were used as heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts for the removal of acid orange 7. On the basis of the catalyst characterization, the catalytic ability of the as-synthesized nanocomposites was examined. The results showed that Fe3O4-MnO2 core-shell nanocomposites had greater catalytic ability than Fe3O4 or MnO2 used alone. Meanwhile, the catalyst dosage, H2O2 dosage, temperature, and initial pH had significant effects on the removal of acid orange 7. A high degree of stability and reusability were exhibited by Fe3O4-MnO2 core-shell nanocomposites. Both HO and HO2 were generated in the reaction and HO was the main radical for the removal of acid orange 7. A mechanism for H2O2 catalytic decomposition using Fe3O4-MnO2 core-shell nanocomposites to produce HO is proposed.

Magnetically recyclable visible-light-responsive MoS2@Fe3O4 photocatalysts targeting efficient wastewater treatment

Novel magnetically recyclable MoS2@Fe3O4 nanocomposite with remarkable photocatalytic capability was prepared by virtue of a rational hydrothermal route. The as-synthesized nanocomposites were well characterized by various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, including X-ray powder diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm (BET), ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, fluorescence spectrophotometer and vibrating sample magnetometer, showing good structural, compositional, optical and magnetic properties. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated by degrading rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution under visible-light irradiation. In comparison with pure MoS2, the MoS2@Fe3O4 with 17 wt% dosage of Fe3O4 (MF-17) possessed superior photocatalytic performance. The photocatalytic degradation showed an evident dependence on the initial pH value with respect to the RhB and MB solutions, where the optimal degradation efficiency was obtained at pH 3.0 and 11.0, respectively. More importantly, magnetic MoS2@Fe3O4 hybrid can be well separated and easily recycled by an external magnetic field, still maintaining advanced activity after eight photoreaction cycles.