Synthesis and studies of trisubstituted biphthalonitrile/Fe3O4 magnetic hybrid microspheres

Abstract

New trisubstituted biphthalonitrile/magnetite (TSB/Fe3O4) magnetic hybrid microspheres were synthesized from TSB and FeCl3 · 6H2O using the method of one-stage thermal temperature crystallization of solvents. The morphology and structure of magnetic hybrid microspheres were inspected using a scanning electron microscope, IR Fourier spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. It was found that the grown TSB/Fe3O4 magnetic hybrid microspheres represent spherical particles with an average size of ~137 nm and a small size spread. The size and size distribution of magnetic hybrid microspheres can be controlled by a small change in the ratio of TSB and Fe3+ ion contents in the microsphere. TSB/Fe3O4 hybrid microspheres exhibit a rather high saturation magnetization (58.16 emu g–1) and new microwave electromagnetic properties, i.e., lower (in comparison with published) dielectric losses at low frequencies; magnetic losses are increased obviously due to an increase in the TSB content. Furthermore, it is detected that magnetic hybrid microspheres absorb microwaves, and strong reflection losses in a wide frequency range are established. The effective reflection loss of–31 dB is obtained in the microwave range from 2 to 16 GHz due to TSB content variations. Wide absorption properties of microwaves along with regular spherical shape and excellent magnetic properties offer wide opportunities for various applications of TSB/Fe3O4 magnetic hybrid microspheres as functional materials.