Fe3O4@MoS2Core–Shell Composites: Preparation, Characterization, and Catalytic Application

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) has received tremendous attention due to the earth-abundant composition and high catalytic activity. However, the catalytic activity of MoS 2 except electro- and photocatalytic has seldom been explored. Herein, Fe 3 O 4 @MoS 2 core–shell composites were prepared for the first time by in situ growth of MoS 2 nanosheets on the surfaces of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles under different temperature, and the catalytic performance of the resulting composites was evaluated by using the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol. FE-SEM, TEM, XRD, and XPS analyses verified the core–shell structure with MoS 2 nanosheets of defect-rich and oxygen incorporation on the surfaces of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles. Fe 3 O 4 @MoS 2 composites were found to exhibit a high catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol with the highest activity factor k = 3773 min –1 g –1 . A plausible catalytic mechanism for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol was also proposed. This study presents an inexpensive, reusable, fast, and highly efficient catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol without noble metals.