Enhancement of <scp>Fe₃O₄</scp>/Au Composite Nanoparticles Catalyst in Oxidative Degradation of Methyl Orange Based on Synergistic Effect

Abstract

Enhancement of Fe 3 O 4 /Au nanoparticles ( Fe 3 O 4 /Au NPs ) catalyst was observed in the oxidative degradation of methyl orange by employing H 2 O 2 as oxidant. To evaluate the catalytic activity of Fe 3 O 4 /Au nanoparticles, different degradation conditions were investigated such as the amounts of catalyst, H 2 O 2 concentration and pH value. Based on our data, methyl orange was degraded completely in a short time. The enhanced catalytic activity and increased oxidation rate constant may be ascribed to synergistic catalyst‐activated decomposition of H 2 O 2 to • OH radical, which was one of the strong oxidizing species. Besides, Fe 3 O 4 /Au nanoparticles have exhibited satisfying recycle performance for potential industrial application.