Synthesis of novel magnetic superstructure TiO2 mesocrystal composites with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

The novel magnetic superstructure GO-TiO 2 mesocrystal composites (Fe 3 O 4 /GO-TMC) were synthesized by solvothermal reaction process and subsequent amidation reaction using amino-functionalized Fe 3 O 4 with different morphologies, TiO 2 mesocrystals (TMC) and graphene oxide (GO). The morphology, crystallization, chemical compositions and microstructure characteristics of the magnetic Fe 3 O 4 /GO-TMC composites were investigated by different techniques. It can be confirmed that the magnetic superstructure TiO 2 mesocrystal composites consist of TiO 2 mesocrystals and Fe 3 O 4 with different morphologies homogeneously anchored on graphene oxide through chemical bonding. The unique morphologies of Fe 3 O 4 and TiO 2 mesocrystals were maintained in the final magnetic composite products. The photocatalytic performances of the prepared samples were evaluated for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The results showed the magnetic Fe 3 O 4 /GO-TMC samples were more superior to TMC and GO-TMC. The high photocatalytic efficiency could be ascribed to the advantages and synergic effects of different components in the Fe 3 O 4 /GO-TMC samples.