Synthesis and characterization of MWCNTs/Co1-xZnxFe2O4 magnetic nanocomposites and their use in hydrogels

A novel magnetic nanocomposite of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorated with Co1-xZnxFe2O4 nanocrystals was synthesized successfully by an effective solvothermal method. The as-prepared MWCNTs/Co1-xZnxFe2O4 magnetic nanocomposite was used for the functionalization of P/H hydrogels as a prototype of device to show the potential application of the nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. The results show that the saturation magnetization of the MWCNTs/Co1-xZnxFe2O4 magnetic nanocomposites increases with x when the Zn2+ content is less than 0.5, but decreases rapidly when the Zn2+ content is more than 0.5. The saturation magnetization as a function of Zn2+ substitution reaches a maximum value of 57.5 emug(-1) for x = 0.5. The probable synthesis mechanism of these nanocomposites was described based on the experimental results. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.