Coating carbon nanotubes with iron oxide using methanol–thermal reaction

Based on a methanol–thermal reaction method, coating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with needle-like iron oxide has been achieved. The structure, composition and morphology of the coatings were characterized by using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray energy dispersive spectrum and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The experimental results indicate that the pre-oxidation of CNTs and the acid-based methanol–thermal environment are very important points to obtain dense and uniform coatings on CNTs. Magnetic measurement for the iron oxide coatings indicates that the coercivity has been enhanced after coating.