Investigation of structural, morphological, thermal, optical, and magnetic properties of graphene-embedded hematite and magnetite nanocomposites

Graphene and iron oxide nanocomposite materials attracted significant attention in different disciplines including optoelectronics, catalysis, and energy conversion/storage devices. Despite the extreme potential, a major obstacle had been the lack of effective and environmentally benign production techniques for mass-producing iron oxide-graphene nanocomposites. To overcome the obstacle, we opted for an efficient, facile, and eco-friendly hydrothermal synthesis route for the synthesis of iron oxide-graphene nanocomposites. The technique involved the homogenous mixing of metal salt precursor (iron chloride), and graphene oxide (GO) followed by a hydrothermal reaction under normal conditions. The synthesized nanocomposites were systematically investigated for structural, morphological, thermal, optical, and magnetic characteristics using XRD, Raman, SEM, TGA, UV–Vis, PL, and VSM techniques. The XRD and Raman studies confirmed the formation of α-Fe₂O₃-RGO and Fe₃O₄-RGO nanocomposites. The SEM images disclosed the anchoring of metal oxide nanoparticles to graphene nanosheets. The nanocomposite exhibited enhanced thermal stability compared to the pristine GO sample. The optical studies corroborated the better charge transfer response of nanocomposites and Hall effect measurements affirmed these nanocomposites as charge transport materials. The VSM measurements confirmed the magnetic behavior of the samples. Therefore, these nanocomposite materials could be a viable option for optoelectronics and energy conversion/storage devices.