Sonochemical method for the preparation of magnetic nanoparticles employing green precursors and its composite with praseodymium(III) nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine b

In this work, magnetically Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/Pr nanocomposites have been successfully synthesized via a simple ultrasound route and using green capping agent such as maltose, fructose and glucose for the first time. The effect of various parameters including green capping agents (such as maltose, fructose and glucose), ultrasound irradiation time and ultrasonic power were evaluated on the size and shape of nanocomposites. The as-prepared nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, vibration sample magnetometer, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. The photocatalytic behaviors of Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/Pr nanocomposites have been investigated through decomposition of rhodamine b dye under ultraviolet illumination (98.7% sample No.1, 79.1% sample No. 2, 86.8% sample No. 3, and 68.4% sample No. 7 of rhodamine b was degraded after 80 min). In addition, the magnetic catalyst displayed good magnetic response and recoverable after seven cycles. The results show that the prepared nanocomposite is a high stability, highly efficiency and recoverability for purification of wastewater.