Exploring the photocatalytic activity of nanometric magnetite for PET materials degradation under UV light

Regular and spherical aggregates composed by 40 ​nm of magnetite particles were prepared by solvothermal conditions. Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated by a 20 ​nm thickness silica layer, were also prepared. The degradation of polyethylene terephthalate can be explained by a photolysis process for Fe3O4@SiO2 composite. On the other hand, Fe3O4 has been proved to be an efficient peroxymonosulphate activator in the presence of UV-A radiation. The synergistic effect between the photolysis and radical-mediated processes may be responsible for the enhanced catalytic properties. The magnetic properties of the catalyst enable an easy way of separation from the water media after the treatment. This study opens a new research field for the utilization of highly oxidant species as an alternative to the conventional harmful chemical recycling processes.