In this article, a study was presented on the catalytic activity of silver nanoparticles immobilized on magnetic Fe3O4@C (MFC) core–shell nanocomposites (Ag/MFC) that were used as carriers. MFC composites consist of a magnetic core of an Fe3O4 microsphere onto which a thin layer of carbon was coated by in situ carbonization of glucose under hydrothermal conditions. The catalytic activity of the as-prepared Ag/MFC is investigated by photometrically monitoring the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and methylene blue by an excess of NaBH4. The kinetic data of both reduction reactions could be explained by the assumption of a pseudo-first-order reaction with regard to 4-nitrophenol or methylene blue. Significantly, the Ag/MFC catalysts can be easily separated from the reaction media by applying an external magnet, and can be reused for several cycles.

In situ synthesis of silver nanostructures on magnetic Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>@C core–shell nanocomposites and their application in catalytic reduction reactions

In situ synthesis of silver nanostructures on magnetic Fe3O4@C core–shell nanocomposites and their application in catalytic reduction reactions