Enhanced Magnetic Properties of Graphene Coated with Fe2O3 Nanoparticles

Graphene, with its unique 2D nanostructure and excellent electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, is considered an alternative to carbon nanotubes in nanocomposites. In this study, we present a one step approach for the deposition of iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles onto graphene sheets through solution mixture. The morphology, crystallinity, and magnetic properties of as-synthesized composites were investigated. It was shown that highly crystalline Fe2O3 nanoparticles were densely and uniformly coated on graphene surface. Magnetic measurements reveal that, as compared to weak diamagnetism of pristine graphene, graphene-Fe2O3 nanocomposites display ferromagnetic behavior with coercivity of 101 Oe, saturation magnetization of 12.6 emu g(-1), and remanent magnetization of 3.13 emu g(-1) at room temperature. The enhanced magnetic performance was attributed to the homogeneous dispersion of Fe2O3 nanoparticles in graphene matrix and such nanocomposites are promising materials for applications in magnetic media and energy storage.