Synthesis of Au-doped magnetic nanocomposites: structural, magnetic, and catalytic properties

Abstract

In this work, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were produced using the co-precipitation method. The surface of the produced MNPs was covered with TEOS and APTES as a shell and the APTES shell is doped with Au nanoparticles (NPs) where Fe3O4@SiO2/APTES-Au nanocomposites were obtained. Catalytic performance of the Fe3O4@SiO2/APTES-Au NPs was assessed for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The physical structures of the NPs were assessed with microscopic methods such as scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Chemical structures of the nanocomposites were verified using EDX, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Magnetic properties of the nanostructures were assessed vibrating sample magnetometry. Results indicate that we successfully managed to produce Fe3O4@SiO2/APTES-Au NPs with good magnetic properties. Fe3O4@SiO2/APTES-Au MNPs showed high catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-NP.