Multiple-metal-doped Fe3O4@Fe2O3 nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic performance for methyl orange degradation under UV/solar light irradiation

Waelz slag, which is a Fe-bearing hazardous waste, was applied as the raw material in the synthesis of M-Fe3O4@Fe2O3 (M = Al, Zn, Cu, and Mn) nanoparticles, which are potential photocatalysts. Through acidolysis, 97.23% of Fe and most of the valuable metals were extracted from this slag. Using sol-gel processes, designed Fe3O4@Fe2O3 nanoparticles doped with multiple elements were systematically synthesised and characterised using X-ray...