Microwave assisted formation of magnetic carbon nanostructures

Magnetic epoxy carbon nanostructures from microwave energy assisted- and conventional-pyrolysis processes are compared. Unlike graphitized carbon shell in the conventional heating, different carbon shell morphologies including carbon nanotubes, carbon nanoflakes and amorphous carbon were observed. Crystalline metallic iron and cementite were observed in the magnetic core, different from a single cementite produced in the conventional process. Carbon coated magnetic nanostructures as well as dielectric semiconductors can be produced using this process.;Microwave assisted pyrolysis process is also used to form the magnetic core-shell carbon nanostructure from polyaniline (PANI)-magnetite (Fe 3O4) nanocomposites. The amorphous combined with graphitized carbon shell is observed by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The crystalline metallic iron, cementite, Fe3O4 and iron oxide (Fe2O 3) are observed in the magnetic core in the Mossbauer spectra measurements. The increased magnetic properties are observed in the formed core-shell carbon nanostructure after microwave annealing compared with PANI-Fe3O 4 nanocomposites. The formed solid carbon nanostructure can protect the material from the acid dissolution and magnetic core favors the recycling of material. This magnetic carbon nanostructure has the potential application in the removal of heavy metals from waste water.