Hybrid Magnetic Core-Shell Nanophotocatalysts for Environmental Applications

[摘要] This research study describes a facile sol-gel method to creating hybrid iron (III) oxide/silica/titania nanomaterials decorated with gold nanoparticles for use in environmental applications. The multi-functional composition of the nanomaterials allows for photocatalyzed reactions to occur in both the visible and the UV range. The morphologies, elemental composition, and surface charge of the nanoparticles were determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and Phase Analysis Light Scattering (PALS), respectively. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized hybrid nanoparticles for breaking down a model analyte, methyl orange (MO), was then evaluated using UV-Vis Spectroscopy. The efficiency of the photocatalyst under UV light irradiation was measured and compared to other well-studied nanophotocatalysts, namely titanium oxide and iron oxide nanoparticles. The concentration dependence of both the photocatalyst and the analyte was also investigated. By utilizing the known UV-active properties of TiO₂, the magnetic properties of Fe₂O₃, the optical properties of gold in the visible range of the spectrum, and the high stability of silica, a novel, highly efficient photocatalyst that is active on a broad range of the spectrum (UV-Vis) can be created to destroy organic pollutants in wastewater streams.

[发布日期] 2016-07-29

[学科分类] 纳米科学和纳米技术

[关键词] CATALYSTS;TITANIUM OXIDES;IRON OXIDES;GOLD;NANOPARTICLES;MAGNETIC CORES;METHYL ORANGE;SILICA;HYBRID SYSTEMS;NANOMATERIALS;ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION;VISIBLE RADIATION;WASTE WATER;WASTE WATER;WATER POLLUTION CONT