A green synthesis of nanocatalysts based on reduced graphene oxide/magnetic nanoparticles for the degradation of Acid Red 1

. The nanocatalysts were applied for the degradation of Acid Red 1 azo-dye in aqueous solution in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, without the need for external energy. The effect of the adsorbent dose, and concentration of dye and peroxide on the dye removal was studied. The degradation of the dye was monitored by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. It was found that an increase in the amount of peroxide allowed complete degradation of the dye together with high molar mass side-products with a conjugated aromatic structure. The good nanocatalyst performance was explained based on the charge-transfer complex established between rGO and the magnetic nanoparticles, allowing the regeneration of ferrous ions during the Fenton process.