Decoration of CNTs' surface by Fe3O4 nanoparticles: Influence of ultrasonication time on the magnetic and structural properties

The decoration of CNTs surface by magnetic nanoparticles was achieved by an ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method (UAHM). The effect of ultrasonication time on the crystal structure, magnetic performance, and chemical composition of the magnetic CNT composite material was determined. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and vibrating sample magnetometry were used to characterize the physical, chemical, and magnetic properties of the composites. The composites synthesized via the UAHM exhibited superparamagnetic properties. The ultrasonication time was a critical factor that affected the structure and magnetic performance of the composites. By simply controlling the ultrasonication time, the crystal phase structure of Fe oxide could be selectively modulated and the magnetic performance of the MCs could be effectively tuned. (C) 2016 Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.