Facile synthesis of uniformly loaded Fe3O4–TiO2/RGO ternary hybrids for enhanced photocatalytic activities

Different from reported core-shell magnetic hybrids, Fe3O4–TiO2/RGO recyclable photocatalysts were synthesized by depositing both TiO2 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles homogeneously onto the graphene sheet through a facile one-pot hydrothermal approach. The unique structure can not only utilize the superior magnetism of Fe3O4 but also allow the photocatalytic property of Fe3O4 to full play, which can offer a synergistic effect with TiO2 and RGO. The characterization results of SEM and TEM demonstrated that Fe3O4 grains without the shell, as well as TiO2 particles, densely anchored onto RGO layers. According to the VSM analysis and cycle experiments, the as-prepared Fe3O4–TiO2/RGO catalyst maintained superior magnetism, stability and recycling performance. In particular, the photo-degradation ability of phenol was significantly affected by the molar ratio of iron to titanium and the optimized composites exhibited 96.6 mg g−1 total removal capacity under UV-light. The ESR spectra revealed that the uniform loaded Fe3O4 nanoparticles may further accelerate the transfer of photo-induced electrons, the designed structure of the ternary components in close contact with each other promotes the synergistic effect and the generation of hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and superoxide anion (O2·-). This work provides a novel facile fabrication of magnetic photocatalyst with uniformly loaded structure and outstanding photocatalytic performance, which has great application prospects in remediating organic contaminated water. [Display omitted] •Fe3O4–TiO2/RGO photocatalysts were synthesized by a facile one-pot hydrothermal approach.•The optimized materials can lead to 96.6% phenol being rapidly removed under UV-light.•The excellent performance is due to the synergistic effect of ·OH, O2·−and h+.•The composites also can display excellent recyclability.