The sacrificial role of graphene oxide in stabilising a Fenton-like catalyst GO–Fe₃O₄

Abstract

Owing to the electron donor-acceptor properties of GO, the active sites ([triple bond, length as m-dash]Fe(2+)) of Fe3O4 are not oxidised ([triple bond, length as m-dash]Fe(3+)) in the heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction. GO plays a sacrificial role via the oxidation of (C[double bond, length as m-dash]C) carbon domains, and transferring electrons to Fe3O4. Therefore, GO-Fe3O4 confers superior catalytic efficiency, recyclability and longevity, otherwise not available in Fe3O4.