One-step synthesis of magnetic nanocomposite Fe3O4/C based on the waste chicken feathers by a green solvothermal method

The magnetic Fe3O4/C nanocomposite was one-step synthesized via a facile green solvothermal method from Fe(NO3)3·9H2O and waste chicken feathers (CF), without adding any reductive and alkaline reagents. The results demonstrate that Fe3+ ions are adsorbed and enriched on the surface of CF and partially reduced to Fe2+ by CF, which facilitate the in-situ conversion of Fe3+ and Fe2+ to Fe3O4. Simultaneously, Fe3+ ions can enhance/catalyze the carbonization of CF, and thereafter inducing the successful preparation of Fe3O4/C nanocomposites. In addition, the as-prepared Fe3O4/C nanocomposites exhibit increasing magnetic properties with increasing the amount of CF from 0.000 to 2.600 g. The enhanced magnetic property was also discussed.