Magnetic Characterization of Ferrocene Derived Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) functionalized/embedded with ferromagnetic particles have several important advantages as materials for magnetic applications. The presence of ferromagnetic particles in a carbon matrix can substantially change the magnetic properties of CNT-based composites. For example, iron filled CNTs have been used as probes in magnetic force microscopy (MFM), and have potential in magnetic data storage applications. In addition, encapsulation in nanotubes provides iron nanoparticles with resistance to oxidation and mechanical damage. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is one of the most common single-step processes for the fabrication of high quality carbon nanotubes containing varying amounts of embedded ferromagnetic particles. This process results in the effective magnetic functionalization of CNTs and opens the door to numerous new applications. However, in order to optimize these materials for any application, their properties need to be understood. This study explores the ferromagnetic properties of carbon nanotubes containing nano-scaled iron particles which were derived from thermal decomposition of ferrocene. Both room temperature as well as low-temperature magnetic measurements will be presented and the results analyzed in the light of available theory