Photodegradation of Melamine Using Magnetic Silicon Quantum Dots

Abstract

Semiconductor Silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) and magnetic nanomaterials have been studied extensively for their variety of applications. We have presented a new method for the preparation of Magnetic Silicon Quantum Dots (Fe3O4/SiQDs) heterostructure nanocomposites. These nanocomposites are fluorescent, have excellent magnetic properties as well as high photocatalytic activity. Magnetic nanoparticles-semiconductor nanocomposites served as an effective recoverable photocatalyst for melamine degradation. In addition, due to their easy magnetic separation, these nanocomposites showed optimum catalytic activity for 15 cycles of usage.

Keywords

• melamine
• photocatalysis
• heterostructure nanocomposites
• silicon quantum
• dots
• magnetic nanoparticles
• recycling