Indonesian Scientists Create Magnetically Recoverable TiO₂/Fe₃O₄ Composite Using Simple Sonication Technique
Researchers from Mulawarman University, Indonesia, have successfully synthesized and characterized a TiO₂/Fe₃O₄ composite material with magnetic properties that make it easier to separate and reuse. The study, published in 2026 in the International Journal of Integrative Sciences, was conducted by Elsa Avrilia Putriani, Noor Hindryawati, and Hajar Anuar. The findings matter because the composite combines the strong photocatalytic performance of titanium dioxide with the magnetic recoverability of iron oxide, opening new possibilities for cleaner water treatment, environmental remediation, and sustainable industrial processes.
Why This Research Matters
Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is one of the most widely used semiconductor materials in the world. It appears in products and technologies ranging from water purification systems and air cleaners to self-cleaning surfaces, solar cells, medical devices, and antibacterial coatings. TiO₂ is popular because it is affordable, chemically stable, non-toxic, and abundant in nature.
Despite these advantages, TiO₂ has a major practical weakness. Once it is used in processes such as wastewater treatment or pollutant degradation, the material is difficult to separate and reuse. The particles tend to clump together and are hard to recover from liquid systems, limiting efficiency and increasing operational costs.
To address this challenge, scientists are increasingly combining TiO₂ with magnetic materials, particularly magnetite (Fe₃O₄). Magnetite responds strongly to external magnetic fields, allowing materials to be quickly collected using simple magnets. By integrating Fe₃O₄ into TiO₂, researchers aim to create advanced composites that are both highly functional and easy to recycle.
A Simple and Efficient Production Method
In this study, the Mulawarman University team focused on producing a TiO₂/Fe₃O₄ composite using a sonication method, a technique that relies on ultrasonic waves to evenly mix materials at the microscopic level.
The researchers first synthesized Fe₃O₄ particles through a chemical precipitation process. These particles showed strong magnetic behavior, confirming their suitability for magnetic separation. Next, TiO₂ and Fe₃O₄ were combined at a mass ratio of 10:1 and mixed using ultrasonic waves at room temperature. The mixture was then dried and heated at 400°C for two hours to stabilize the composite structure.
This approach was chosen because sonication is simple, energy-efficient, and effective at preventing particle agglomeration. It also produces composites with more uniform particle distribution and larger surface areas, which are important for catalytic and adsorption applications.
How the Composite Was Analyzed
To confirm the structure and properties of the material, the researchers used three widely recognized characterization techniques:
1. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) to identify crystal phases and measure crystallinity2. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to detect chemical bonds and functional groups
3. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to observe particle shape and surface morphology
These methods allowed the team to verify that the TiO₂ and Fe₃O₄ components were successfully combined into a single composite material.
Key Findings at a Glance
The analysis revealed several important results:
1. The TiO₂/Fe₃O₄ composite showed both TiO₂ and Fe₃O₄ crystal phases, confirming successful integration of the two materials.
2. The composite achieved a crystallinity value of 64.7%, indicating a well-ordered internal structure.
3. FTIR spectra showed clear Ti–O–Ti bonds and Fe–O vibrations, evidence of strong chemical interactions between the components.
6. The composite was obtained as a light-brown solid with a high yield of 78.72%, demonstrating the efficiency of the synthesis method.
Real-World Impact and Applications
The TiO₂/Fe₃O₄ composite developed by the Mulawarman University team has strong potential in environmental and industrial applications.
In water and wastewater treatment, the composite can be used as a photocatalyst to break down organic pollutants. After treatment, the material can be quickly removed using a magnet, reducing costs and preventing secondary contamination.
In industrial processes, magnetically recoverable catalysts can improve efficiency and sustainability by enabling repeated use without complex filtration systems. This is especially valuable in chemical manufacturing, textile processing, and food-related industries.
The material may also support advances in renewable energy technologies, sensors, and smart coatings, where durable and reusable semiconductor materials are increasingly in demand.
According to Noor Hindryawati, a chemist at Mulawarman University, the composite structure is key. She and her colleagues explain that integrating Fe₃O₄ onto the TiO₂ surface creates a material that is “easier to separate and reuse while maintaining the functional characteristics of titanium dioxide,” highlighting the practical advantages of the approach.
About the Authors
Elsa Avrilia Putriani, B.Sc. Mulawarman University.Hajar Anuar, Ph.D. Mulawarman University.
Source
Journal Article Title: Synthesis and Characterization of TiO₂/Fe₃O₄ Composites Using Sonication Method
Journal: International Journal of Integrative Sciences
Publication Year: 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ijis.v5i1.807
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