Synthesis of a thin-layer MnO₂ nanosheet-coated Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite as a magnetically separable photocatalyst

A facile hydrothermal method combined with a mild ultrasonic means has been developed for the fabrication of a magnetically recyclable thin-layer MnO2 nanosheet-coated Fe3O4 nanocomposite. The photocatalytic studies suggest that the MnO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposite shows excellent photocatalytic efficiency and stability simultaneously for the degradation of methylene blue under UV-vis light irradiation. Moreover, its good acid resistance and stable recyclability are very important for its future practical application as a photocatalyst. Magnetic measurements verify that the MnO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposite possesses a ferromagnetic nature, which can be effectively separated for reuse by simply applying an external magnetic field after the photocatalytic reaction. This novel composite material may have potential applications in water treatment, degradation of dye pollutants, and environmental cleaning.