Solvothermal Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetic Bamboo Charcoal (BC) Nanocomposites

Abstract

In this paper the synthesis of magnetic bamboo charcoal–iron oxide (BC/Fe) nanocomposites from raw bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) by the solvothermal process is presented. In the first step, bamboo charcoal was prepared from raw bamboo in an oven at a temperature of 800 °C. In the second step, a carbon matrix of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles was prepared by the solvothermal process. Ferric nitrate was the iron precursor, and ethylene glycol and other solvents were the reducing agents. The effect of various process parameters such as molar ratio of BC to Fe, reduction temperature, solvents and duration of reaction on the size, shape and amount of produced magnetic iron oxide particles were reported. The reduction temperature, time and selection of solvent were the most critical parameters. XRD analysis showed the presence of magnetite, along with humboldtine particles, on the bamboo charcoal (BC) with an average size range of 12.7 nm to 29.3 nm.