Hybrid nanostructures composed of magnetic iron oxides and plasmonic metals are able to convert light energy into chemical energy as well as they can be easily manipulated through magnetic fields. As a consequence of these multifunctional features they can be employed as magnetically recyclable heterogeneous photocatalysts. Herein, we report a two step method for the preparation of magnetite (Fe 3 O 4)-gold (Au) hybrid nanostructures in aqueous media. The obtained material resembles a core-satellite morphology of 60 nm Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles surrounded by nearly spherical 20 nm Au nanoparticles attached to their surface. The synthesized hybrid material exhibits enhanced capabilities for the methylene blue photodegradation compared with bare Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles. Detailed electrodynamics simulations were performed to achieve further insight into the improved photoactive properties of the Fe 3 O 4-Au hybrid nanostructures. The theoretical results show that the excitation of localized surface plasmon resonances in the Au component leads to greater light absorption in the Fe 3 O 4 component which ultimately impacts on the improved photocatalytic properties of the hybrid nanostructure. Overall, this work provides a complementary approach toward a complete understanding of the enhanced photoactive properties of hybrid nanostructures and highlights the importance of considering their actual morphology into simulations.
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