Nanobiocomposite from Collagen Waste Using Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Its Conversion Into Magnetic Nanocarbon

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Waste Valorization

Background:

• Leather industry generates significant collagenous waste.
• Valorization of this waste is crucial for sustainability.
• Nanoparticle stabilization offers a novel approach to waste treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To stabilize collagenous waste using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.
• To convert the stabilized collagen into a magnetic nanocarbon material.
• To explore the properties and potential applications of the resulting nanocarbon.

Main Methods:

• Collagen waste treatment with iron oxide nanoparticles (25% offer).
• High-temperature pyrolysis (850°C, 2h, Ar) of the collagen-nanoparticle composite.
• Characterization using Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Superconducting Quantum Interference Device analysis.

Main Results:

• Successful stabilization of collagen confirmed by DSC and SEM.
• Formation of a bi-functional (magnetic and conducting) nanocarbon.
• Characterization revealed partial graphitation, nitrogen/oxygen doping, and embedded iron oxide nanocrystals.
• Demonstrated ferrimagnetic properties with saturation magnetization.

Conclusions:

• Collagenous waste can be effectively stabilized and converted into magnetic nanocarbon using iron oxide nanoparticles.
• The resulting material exhibits desirable magnetic and conductive properties.
• Potential applications include energy storage, leather processing, and environmental remediation.