Microstructures and magnetic properties of carbon nanotube/Co-oxide nanocomposite powders

Carbon nanotube embedded cobalt oxide (CNT/Co-oxide) nanocomposite powders were synthesized by molecular-level mixing followed by calcination. The surface morphology of the fabricated nanocomposite powders shows Co-oxide coated CNTs homogeneously dispersed in the Co-oxide nanopowders. XRD patterns reveal that CoO–Co3O4 nanopowders were obtained as a complex phase. The nanocomposite powders exhibit ferromagnetism with a saturation magnetization of 75emu g−1, while CoO–Co3O4 nanopowders without CNTs are paramagnetic. These results indicate that incorporating CNTs into Co-oxide nanopowders triggers a change of the magnetic properties towards ferromagnetism.

Research highlights▶ CNT-embedded Co oxide matrix nanocomposite powders. ▶ Functionalized CNTs showing a weak ferromagnetic behavior. ▶ Co oxide nanopowders exhibiting a paramagnetic behavior. ▶ CNT added in Co oxides triggers a change of magnetic behavior towards ferromagnetism.