Synthesis and magnetic dispersibility of magnetite decorated reduced graphene oxide

Abstract

In the present work, we have successfully synthesized graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide/magnetite (Gr@Fe3O4) nanocomposite (NC) via modified Hummers method and co-precipitation process respectively. Microstructural and physico-chemical properties were investigated through various analytical techniques. XRD and FTIR data analyses revealed highly pure nature of the samples without any other impurity phases. Electron microscopy (SEM/TEM) images of the nanocomposite clearly exhibit uniform and well disperse spherical nanoparticles (NPs) of Fe3O4 over the surface of the graphene sheets. UV-visible absorption spectroscopy indicates a red shift of the absorption band of Gr@Fe3O4 NC as compared to Fe3O4 NPs that suggests π-π noncovalent electrostatic interaction between the magnetic NPs and the graphene surface. The magnetic dispersibility of the NC was also explored using an external magnetic field produced by the simple bar magnets. The results affirm a higher magnetic dispersibility nature of the Gr@Fe3O4 NC than the graphene oxide and Fe3O4 NPs. These behaviour of the NC can be ascribed to synergistic structural and functional effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles conjugate with graphene sheet.