Improved properties of CoFe2O4@rGO/PVDF composites prepared through a solution-mixing approach

Abstract

In this work, a hybrid material based on CoFe2O4 nanoparticles immobilized on reduced graphene oxide (CoFe2O4@rGO) was successfully synthesized through a one-step green solvothermal method. Subsequently, the resultant CoFe2O4@rGO was further modified by aminopropyltriethoxysilane to form the A-CoFe2O4@rGO hybrid, serving as the filler of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). The facile preparation of A-CoFe2O4@rGO was confirmed through various microstructural characterization techniques. PVDF-based composites with varying contents of A-CoFe2O4@rGO (1 wt%, 3 wt%, 5 wt%, 7 wt%, and 10 wt%) were prepared using a solution-mixing approach. SEM results revealed uniform distribution of the A-CoFe2O4@rGO filler within the PVDF matrix. The XPS results indicated an obvious interfacial interaction between the A-CoFe2O4@rGO filler and PVDF matrix. Consequently, the crystallization degree and β crystalline content of PVDF matrix in the A-CoFe2O4@rGO(7 wt%)/PVDF composite were enhanced to 52.3 % and 32.1 %, respectively, compared to 42.2 % and 26.0 %, respectively, in pure PVDF. The A-CoFe2O4@rGO(10 wt%)/PVDF composite enhanced electrical conductivity and dielectric constant at 100 Hz, with values of 1.33 × 10−7 S/m and 22.1, respectively, compared to 1.86 × 10−9 S/m and 8.6, respectively, in pure PVDF. In addition, despite the non-magnetic nature of pure PVDF, the A-CoFe2O4@rGO(10 wt%)/PVDF composite possessed a magnetization value of 1.64 emu/g at 60,000 Oe. The comprehensive enhancement in crystallization behavior, electrical, dielectric, and magnetic properties demonstrates the potential of the A-CoFe2O4@rGO/PVDF composite for various applications.