Designing TiO2@FexOy magnetic core–shell catalyst with 3D flower-like surface morphology preservation for enhanced photocatalytic performance

A synthetic rational design of core–shell magnetic nanomaterials has garnered significant attention for their potential in photocatalysis and adsorption applications. This study presents the synthesis and characterization of a TiO₂-based core–shell photocatalyst functionalized with Fe_xO_y co-catalyst for the efficient adsorption and degradation of synthetic methylene blue dye. The chemical synthesis technique involved a three-step process consisting in the preparation of TiO₂ nanoparticles followed by surface nanocompartmentalization with a ferrihydrite layer exhibiting a flower-like morphology and lastly the calcination of the resulting composite at 400 °C to produce a magnetic core–shell nanomaterial. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and ultra-high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (UHR-TEM) to elucidate the structural and morphological properties of the synthesized materials. Photodegradation experiments were conducted under both UV and Visible light irradiation using methylene blue as a model contaminant. The results revealed remarkable photocatalytic performance, with nearly instantaneous adsorption of the dye onto the catalyst surface, followed by efficient photodegradation. Detailed investigations confirmed that the adsorption process occurred at an exceptionally rapid rate, which was attributed to the unique surface functionalization and nanocompartmentalized structure of the core–shell material.