A facile synthesis of multifunctional iron oxide@Ag core-shell nanoparticles and their catalytic applications

Abstract

A facile approach for the synthesis of iron oxide@Ag core-shell nanoparticles in which iron oxide microspheres serve as the core and the shell consists of silver nanoparticles has been reported. Thermal decomposition of silver acetate at 200 °C in the presence of iron oxide microspheres in diphenyl ether leads to the formation of iron oxide@Ag core-shell nanoparticles. The core-shell nanoparticles were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and magnetic measurements. The catalytic activity of iron oxide@Ag core-shell nanoparticles has been demonstrated by using two reactions, namely, reduction of 4-nitrophenol and reduction of methylene blue in aqueous solution. Iron oxide@Ag core-shell nanoparticles have been synthesized by an easy and facile thermal decomposition approach. They serve as better catalysts for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and methylene blue compared to individual constituents. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.