Magnetically-extractable hybrid of magnetite, mesoporous silica and titania for the photo-degradation of organic compounds in water

•A magnetically-extractable magnetite-silica-titania photocatalyst was developed.•A new and simple titania-coating route was developed.•The silicious surface favored the growth of the anatase titania phase.•The material was active in the degradation of 4-chlorophenol.•The degradation was pH-independent and optimum catalyst dose was determined.