Synthesis of Magnetic MWNTs/ZnS/Fe3O4 Nanocomposites and Their Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

Abstract

Magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)/ZnS/Fe3O4 nanocomposites were prepared using Fe3O4 and ZnS nanoparticles via in situ chemical precipitation method onto the surface of MWNTs. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results revealed that the photocatalytic activity of MWNTs/ZnS/Fe3O4 nanocomposites for methylene blue solution increased obviously compared with pure ZnS NPs. Moreover, as a magnetic material, MWNTs/ZnS/Fe3O4 nanocomposites could be easily collected from aqueous solution by an external magnet, and used repeatedly.