Synthesis and properties of Fe3O4 nanofibers and nanoribbons via electrospinning

Fe3O4 nanofibers and nonoribbons have been successfully prepared by the combination of electrospinning and oxidation-reduction process. Fe(NO3)(3)/PVP nanofibers and nonoribbons were first fabricated by an electrospinning method. Subsequently, as-spun Fe(NO3)(3)/PVP nanocomposites have been stepwise transformed into Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 though an oxidation-reduction process. The obtained Fe3O4 nanofibers have an average diameter of about 120 nm and a large length to diameter ratio, and the Fe3O4 nanoribbons possess a width of ca. 3.44 mu m and a thickness of ca. 49.2 nm, respectively. The saturation magnetizations of the Fe3O4 nanofibers and naoribbons are 73.53 and 91.61emu.g(-1), respectively.