Optimization of self heating properties of Fe3O4 using PEG and amine functionalized MWCNT

Abstract An attempt has been made to bridge between the influence of surface modification at nanoscale and the biomedical applicability of multifunctional nanocomposite. Fe3O4 synthesized via solvothermal route has been made nanocomposite with Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and Amine functionalized Multiwall Carbon nanotube (MWCNT). Formation of Fe3O4 phase has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Functionalization of MWCNT with PEG and Amine has been recognized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) Spectra. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) discerned the adhesion of functional groups onto MWCNT and also the loading of functionalized MWCNT in the nanocomposite. Besides the visible evidence of interaction of spherical Fe3O4 onto walls of MWCNT provided by High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), there are other inferences led by the influence of this functionalized group. Crystallographic information from Rietveld analysis of the XRD pattern infers the impact of functionalized MWCNT on cation distribution in the Fe3O4 spinel structure. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) studies revealed near superparamagnetic nature of as-synthesized samples, with 17% rise and 19% fall in the Coercivity of PEG-o-MWCNT/Fe3O4 and Amine-o-MWCNT/Fe3O4 than bare Fe3O4 respectively. A comparison of the Specific absorption rate suggested that under an oscillating magnetic field, nanocomposites are capable as an agent of heat generation as bare Fe3O4, even better at the higher field amplitude for tuning with magnetic anisotropy.