Fe3O4@CuO core–shell nanoparticles: magnetically recyclable visible-light photocatalyst

Fe3O4@CuO core-shell nanoparticles synthesis by a fast, simple and low-cost method. The photocatalytic activity of this nanoparticle has investigated the removal of methylene blue (MB) in the presence of visible light. The core-shell nanoparticle was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), EDS analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The effects of some operational parameters were studied such as H2O2 concentration, nano photocatalyst dosage, pH and temperature on the removal efficiency. Maximum photocatalytic activity was obtained at pH=6 and the best catalysis dosage was 0.01g. In addition, the most efficient of H2O2 concentration was 2 ml at 71°C. Eventually, this photocatalyst can be recovered by the external magnet from the solution.