Effects of functionalized magnetic graphene oxide on the visible-light-induced photocatalytic activity of perovskite-type MTiO₃ (M= Zn and Mn) for the degradation of Rhodamine B

This work reports the synthesis of a variety of perovskite-type titanates (MTiO₃, M= Zn, and Mn) and their loading on functionalized magnetic graphene oxide (EDFG) to produce MTiO₃@EDFG nanocomposites. These materials were fully characterized by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, TEM, N2 adsorption–desorption, VSM, UV–vis DRS, PL, CV, and EIS techniques. SEM and TEM images of the MTiO₃@EDFG revealed the homogeneity and distribution of MTiO₃ nanoparticles on the surface of EDFG. UV–vis absorption and PL analyses suggested that the MTiO₃@EDFG nanocomposites could be used as efficient photocatalysts for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The results indicated that the photocatalytic activities of the MTiO₃@EDFG samples were obviously enhanced in comparison to those of bare MTiO₃. The enhanced photocatalytic activity was mainly attributed to the conglomeration inhibition of MTiO₃ nanoparticles, improved electron transfer between MTiO₃ and EDFG enhanced surface area, and extended absorption range. The possible electron transfer mechanism for EDFG and MTiO₃ interface during the photocatalysis process is also proposed. Furthermore, the reusability and stability tests were made and reported.