Non-Aqueous Synthesis of Graphene Supported Spinel Ferrite Nanoparticles

Spinel nanoparticles, such as the ferrite oxides CoFe2O4 and Fe3O4, are of particular interest due to their ferrimagnetic properties. These materials are classified multiferroic, in which their ferromagnetic and ferroelectric properties are coupled. In electrochemical cells such as supercapacitors, multiferroic materials are subject to the magnetoelectric effect (ME), where their intrinsic magnetic moment can be reversibly manipulated by applying an external electric field [1]. When spinel ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) were hybridized with graphene, they have been shown to exhibit enhanced electrochemical properties [2]. The study reported here aims to generate a non-aqueous synthesis for graphene hybridized CoFe2O4 NPs. Non-aqueous synthesis is advantageous as it eliminates the use of metal halides which may contaminate the crystal structure. The addition of graphene is intended to enhance the electrical properties of the hybrids and in turn the magnetic properties for greater manipulation via the ME.