Abstract
Owing to the electron donor-acceptor properties of GO, the active sites (≡Fe2+) of Fe3O4 are not oxidised (≡Fe3+) in the heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction. GO plays a sacrificial role via the oxidation of (C=C) carbon domains, and transferring electrons to Fe3O4. Therefore, GO-Fe3O4 confers superior catalytic efficiency, recyclability and longevity, otherwise not available in Fe3O4. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2015.