Solvothermal synthesis of magnetically separable reduced graphene oxide/Fe3O4 hybrid nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic properties

Magnetically separable reduced graphene oxide/magnetite (rGO/Fe3O4) nanocomposites (NCs) with different mass ratio were synthesized by a solvothermal method. Powder XRD patterns and Raman spectra revealed the crystalline nature and phase formation of as prepared NCs. The chemical interactions of the rGO and Fe3O4 were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. SEM images showed the particles are embedded uniformly onto the surface of reduced graphene layers and the average diameter of microspheres ranging between 131 and 237 nm. UV–Vis-diffuse reflectance spectra showed a red shift in optical band gap with increasing mass fraction of Fe3O4. Magnetic hysteresis loops confirmed that rGO/Fe3O4 NCs exhibit a typical super paramagnetic behavior with zero coercivity and retentivity. The photocatalytic efficiency of rGO/Fe3O4 NCs was evaluated using the degradation of Methylene Blue dye and found to be NCs with mass ratio 1:2(GF1:2) exhibited reasonably good stability after 4 successive runs with highest degradation of 74% in 60 min. •Magnetically separable rGO/Fe3O4 NC with different mass ratio was synthesized via solvothermal method.•rGO was functionalized with ethylenediamine as an amine source.•Maximum efficiency and better magnetic properties attained from 1:2 mass ratio.•The smaller band gap of Fe3O4 and good electrical conductivity of rGO favors enhanced photocatalytic activity.•The photocatalyst is easily separated from reaction medium with excellent recycling performance.