Preparation and characterisation of magnetic Fe3O4/graphene oxide nanocomposites

Magnetic Fe3O4/graphene oxide nanocomposites were synthesised by a simple hydrothermal method. The morphology and composition of the magnetic Fe3O4/graphene oxide nanocomposites were optimised and characterised by ultraviolet-visible spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectra, zeta-potential and scanning electron microscope. It was found that Fe3O4 nanoparticles with the mean diameter of about 15-30 nm were firmly decorated on the surfaces of graphene oxide. The Fe3O4/graphene oxide nanocomposites presented an excellent colloidal stability over a wide range of pH. Furthermore, the Fe3O4/graphene oxide nanocomposites could be quickly separated from an aqueous solution with the application of an external magnetic field.