Preparation and Characterization of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle-Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites

In this paper, we describe a simple and effective method for the preparation of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs)-graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites. Firstly, the SPIOs were synthesized by thermal decomposition method. After that, they were functionalized with dopamine to transfer them from hexane to aqueous solution. Finally, the IONPs were successfully modified on the surface and edge of graphene oxides to form IONPs-GO nanocomposites through the reaction between carboxyl groups on the surface of graphene oxide and amino groups on IONP. The nanocomposites show superparamagnetic property and good water solubility, indicating potential applications of magnetic separation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).