Enhanced microwave absorption performance of Fe/C nanofibers by adjusting the magnetic particle size using different electrospinning solvents.

Two kinds of Fe/C nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning and calcination under the same process conditions. A simple way was used to adjust the size of the Fe nanoparticles by using different spinning solvents. The one was prepared by a mixture of water and anhydrous alcohol as solvents (named as CNF water) and the other by N,N-Dimethylformamide and anhydrous alcohol (named as CNF DMF). Due to the higher solubility to iron salts and larger surface tension of water, CNF water gained a larger size of Fe nanoparticles and average diameter. In addition, the graphite layers wrapped on Fe nanoparticles which were formed during calcination were thinner in CNF water than CNF DMF. These factors endowed CNF water better microwave absorption performance. The results of XRD, SEM, HRTEM, Raman, magnetostatic and electromagnetic properties analysis revealed the influence mechanisms of solvents on the formation, microstructure and properties of Fe/C nanofibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]