In Situ Chemical Synthesis of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles on Reduced Graphene Oxide Sheets in Polyol Medium and Magnetic Properties

This letter reports the one-pot synthesis of reduced graphene oxide/Fe3O4 composites. By the electrostatic interaction of exfoliated graphene oxide and Fe3+ ions, graphene oxide/Fe3+ ions were prepared in a diethylene glycol. In situ formation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on graphene oxide sheets and reduction of graphene oxide were then achieved simultaneously by the thermal decomposition reaction of Fe(acac)3 at high temperature. This synthetic method enables control over the phase of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on graphene sheets, further preventing restacking of the graphene sheets and aggregation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. By controlling the mass ratio of Fe(acac)3 and graphene oxide, a series of reduced graphene oxide/Fe3O4 composites were prepared. Magnetic properties of the reduced graphene oxide/Fe3O4 composites are investigated.