Magneto-responsive hybrid materials based on cellulose nanocrystals

We fabricated self-standing films of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and electrospun composite fibers with CNC and polyvinyl alcohol both with magnetic properties arising from cobalt iron oxide nanoparticles in the CNC matrix. Aqueous dispersions of cobalt-iron oxide nanoparticles (10-80 nm diameter) and CNCs (ca. 150 nm length) were used as precursor systems for the films and composite fibers. The properties of the hybrid material were determined by electron and atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry and magnetometry. The CNC-inorganic system was ferromagnetic, with a saturation magnetization of ca. 20 emu g(-1) of the magnetic phase. We demonstrate potential applications of the precursor dispersions, including magnetic fluid hyperthermia and highlight possible uses of the CNC-based magneto-responsive systems in biomedical and magneto-optical components.