Halloysite nanotubes coated with magnetic nanoparticles

Co nanoparticles were assembled on the surface of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) to prepare one-dimensional magnetic Co-HNTs via electroless deposition. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDXS) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The cobalt nanoparticles of 3–7 nm in size were uniformly deposited on the surface of the nanotubes. The remanent magnetization (Mr), saturation magnetization (Ms) and coercivity (Hc) values of the Co-HNTs were 13.9 emu/g, 27.05 emu/g and 1659 Oe, respectively, larger than that of the pure Co nanoparticles (580.72 Oe). A mechanism of the deposition of the magnetic nanoparticles on the surface of the halloysite nanotubes is suggested. Co-HNTs showed an interesting potential in the field of magnetic devices.

► Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are coated with Co nanoparticles to form Co-HNTs.
► Co deposition on the surface of HNTs includes wetting, filling and depositing.
► Co-HNTs have excellent magnetic properties better than pure Co nanoparticles.