| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1524904 | Materials Chemistry and Physics | 2011 | 5 Pages |
The rapid assembly of magnetic carbon nanotubes is mediated through the electrostatic attraction of α-haematite nanoparticles to carboxylic groups decorating their outer surface. The system is then stabilised through covalently bonding a silica coat using a 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane precursor, which creates a thin barrier protecting the α-haematite particles from aggressive pH solutions. The nanocomposites can be effectively dispersed in aqueous solution and can be attracted to an external magnetic field. The proposed method can be used for synthesis of magnetic CNTs suitable for assembling densely packed magnetic arrays, remotely guided drug delivery and organic chemical wastewater remediation with the added benefit of nanomaterial recovery. Therein, p-nitroaniline was demonstrated to still adsorb to uncoated areas of the silica-sheathed magnetic MWCNT composite.
► Trapping of α-haemetite on acid-oxidised carbon nanotubes enables magnetic nanocomposites; ► Coating magnetic carbon nanotubes with silica improves chemical stability in low pH solution; ► Silica-coated magnetic carbon nanotube composites still adsorb polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; ► Final composites are useful for organic chemical remediation and rapid adsorbate recovery.
