Porous γ-Fe₂O₃ microspheres decorated with TiO₂ nanocrystals as highly recyclable photocatalysts and potential highly efficient magnetic hyperthermia agents

Well-defined porous γ-Fe₂O₃ microspheres decorated with TiO₂ nanocrystals were successfully prepared by using a facile polyvinylpyrrolidone-mediated hydrothermal method. As-prepared γ-Fe₂O₃@TiO₂ nanocomposite microspheres display not only photocatalysis capability but also magnetic hyperthermia abilities. Under UV light irradiation, efficient and reusable photocatalytic activities can be observed for the degradation of methyl orange. Meanwhile, as-prepared γ-Fe₂O₃@TiO₂ microspheres could generate heat controllably to reach the hyperthermia temperature within a short time exposure to an alternating magnetic field, thus have the ability to be used as a hyperthermia agent for biomedical applications. These γ-Fe₂O₃@TiO₂ microspheres, which integrate optical and magnetic properties in a single structure, have great potential to be used in wide range of crucial applications, such as environmental protection and medical treatments.