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 diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, electron diffraction spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. The photocatalytic activities of the synthesised particles and undoped Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles were compared through photocatalytic methyl orange degradation experiments under UV and simulated solar light. The results indicated that all of the slag-derived nanoparticles gave improved photocatalytic performances compared to the undoped sample, and the M-Fe₃O₄@Fe₂O₃ (M = Al, Zn, and Cu) sample exhibited the best photocatalytic activity. The enhancement can be attributed to grain refinement, doping, and the formation of a typical Fe₃O₄@Fe₂O₃ core-shell structure.