Preparation and characterization of Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ composites by heteroagglomeration

Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ composites were prepared by heteroagglomeration. The composites of different Fe₃O₄ to TiO₂ weight ratio were prepared by mixing of prepared Fe₃O₄ with TiO₂ in aqueous slurry, under ultrasonic treatment. All prepared samples were characterized by XRD, VSM, SEM/EDS, raman spectroscopy and BET. The prepared composites contained TiO₂ (anatase and rutile) and Fe₃O₄ crystal phases. The magnetization hysteresis loop for Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ nanocomposites indicated that the hybrid catalyst showed superparamagnetic characteristics at room temperature. Photocatalytic performance of the prepared composites was examined by its ability to degrade methylene blue dye in aqueous solution. The photocatalytic activity of Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ composites was lower than that of pure TiO₂ sample because of the presence of non-active photocatalytic in composite (iron oxide). Under UV irradiation, the photocatalytic activity of Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ (1:1) composite was relatively similar to Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ (1:2), however, under sunlight irradiation, the photocatalytic activity of Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ (1:2) composite was relatively increase. The Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ composite can be easily recovered from treated water in slurry-type reactor by the application of an external magnetic field.