Facile synthesis of silver nanocatalyst decorated Fe3O4@PDA core-shell nanoparticles with enhanced catalytic properties and selectivity

In this work, we have successfully prepared core-shell nanoparticles (Fe3O4@PDA) wrapped with Ag using a simple and green synthesis method. Without an external reducing agent, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with good dispersibility were directly reduced and deposited on a polydopamine (PDA) layer. Fe3O4@PDA@Ag showed excellent catalytic activity and recyclability for 4-nitrophenol, and also exhibited good catalytic selectivity for organic dyes (MO and MB). This simple and green synthesis method will provide a platform for other catalytic applications.