Synthesis and characterization of pure and Au doped Fe3O4 using co-precipitation method

Abstract

In this research, a sonochemical activation-assisted biosynthesis of Au/Fe3O4 nanoparticles is proposed. The proposed synthesis methodology incorporates the use of Piper auritum (an endemic plant) as reducing agent and in a complementary way, an ultrasonication process to promote the synthesis of the plasmonic/magnetic nanoparticles (Au/Fe3O4). The synergic effect of the green and sonochemical synthesis favors the well-dispersion of precursor salts and the subsequent growth of the Au/Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The hybrid green/sonochemical process generates an economical, ecological and simplified alternative to synthesizing Au/Fe3O4 nanoparticles whit enhanced catalytic activity, pronounced magnetic properties. The morphological, chemical and structural characterization was carried out by high- resolution Scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy confirm the Au/Fe3O4 nanoparticles obtention. Finally, the catalytic activity was evaluated by sonocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO). In this stage, it was possible to achieve a removal percentage of 91.2% at 15 min of the sonocatalytic process (160 W/42 kHz). The initial concentration of the MO was 20 mg L 1, and the Fe3O4-Au dosage was 0.075 gL 1.