A novel magnetic recyclable photocatalyst based on a core–shell metal–organic framework Fe3O4@MIL-100(Fe) for the decolorization of methylene blue dye

We describe a novel type of magnetic recyclable Fe3O4@MIL-100(Fe) photocatalyst on the basis of a porous metal–organic framework (MOF) and its photocatalytic activities in the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. It was found that Fe3O4@MIL-100(Fe) exhibited photocatalytic activity for MB dye degradation under both UV-vis and visible light irradiation, and the MB decolorization over the Fe3O4@MIL-100(Fe) photocatalyst followed first-order kinetics. Moreover, it can be easily separated and recycled without significant loss of photocatalytic activity after being used many times. Therefore, compared to the conventional photocatalysts of TiO2 and C3N4 used in the photocatalytic degradation of dye, this magnetic core–shell photocatalyst is green, cheap and more suitable for large scale industrial applications.