Influence of nanotube physicochemical properties on the decoration of multiwall carbon nanotubes with magnetic particles

Two types of commercial multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with different diameters and physicochemical properties were decorated with iron oxide nanoparticles obtained by hydrolysis at high temperature in the presence of triethylene glycol and iron(III) chloride as metal precursor. A homogeneous distribution of 2–9 nm diameter particles decorating the MWCNTs was achieved using a weight concentration of 1:1 or 1:2 of the nanotube with respect to the metal precursor for 30 min of reflux. Detailed characterization of the as-received MWCNTs allowed to correlate the influence of the initial nanotube physicochemical properties to their decoration. The results indicate that a more homogeneous decoration and larger magnetization are achieved for MWCNTs with larger density of defective/reactive sites and larger surface area.