Recyclable Fe3O4@SiO2-Ag magnetic nanospheres for the rapid decolorizing of dye pollutants

Abstract A simple electroless plating method using non-toxic, cost-effective precursors to fabricate Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -Ag nanospheres for catalytic reduction of dye pollutants is developed. Incorporating the individual advantages of Ag and Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles, the Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -Ag nanospheres exhibit enhanced catalytic reduction efficiency for rhodamine B and eosin Y compared with those of pure Ag or Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles, and can also be rapidly separated from aqueous solution using a magnet. The catalytic reaction rate is strongly dependent on both reaction temperature and Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -Ag dosage. The presence of surfactants and inorganic salt (Na 2 SO 4 ) influences the catalytic activity of the Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -Ag nanospheres. Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -Ag nanospheres show great promise for the treatment of industrial dye pollutants.