Synthesis of Fe3O4/C/TiO2Magnetic Photocatalyst via Vapor Phase Hydrolysis

Abstract

A core/multi-shell-structured Fe3O4/C/TiO2magnetic photocatalyst is prepared via vapor phase hydrolysis process. The as-synthesized core/multi-shell-structured composite is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM), N2adsorption-desorption isotherm analyses, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy. TEM and HRTEM show that well-crystallized anatase TiO2nanocrystals are immobilized on the surface of as-prepared Fe3O4/C microspheres with dimensions around 200 nm. N2adsorption-desorption isotherm analysis shows that the obtained photocatalyst exists disorderedly mesoporous structure. The photocatalytic efficiency of the catalyst in degradation of methylene blue is evaluated, and the Fe3O4/C/TiO2photocatalyst with low TiO2content (37%) has a relatively higher activity than commercial anatase TiO2. The intermediate carbon layer avoids the photodissolution of Fe3O4effectively, and the recycling property is largely improved due to the existence of magnetic Fe3O4core.