NiFe2O4/graphene nanocomposites with tunable magnetic properties

Novel NiFe2O4/graphene nanocomposites were synthesized via facile, one-pot solvothermal route, and the effects of processing conditions and composition on their magnetic properties have been studied. The nanocomposites consisted of monolayer graphene sheets decorated with uniformly dispersed NiFe2O4 nanoparticles of 6 nm in diameter. Increases in solvothermal temperature and time gave rise to improved crystallinity of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles and thus enhanced magnetic properties, while a high NiFe2O4 content resulted in a similar ameliorating effect on saturation magnetization, demonstrating tailored functional properties. A magnetic interaction between NiFe2O4/grahene was observed.