Abnormal magnetic behavior of prussian blue analogs modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

This work examines the origin of the abnormal magnetism exhibited by CuMnFe–PBAs modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The system of CuMnFe–PBAs@MWCNTs coexists with both large and small clusters. CuMnFe–PBAs clusters have an average particle size of 28 nm, and some of the smaller particles are adsorbed on the surface of MWCNTs. Surprisingly, the magnitude of magnetization increases linearly with decreasing temperature. When above the Curie temperature, the magnitude of magnetization is significantly greater than that of PBAs without being modified. This phenomenon can be attributed to magnetostatic interactions between ultra-fine magnetic nanoparticles adsorbed on the surface of MWCNTs. Using the Monte Carlo method, we simulated the magnetostatic interaction of cylindrical adsorbed particles, and the simulation results are almost identical to those observed experimentally. The results indicate that 0.089 CuMnFe–PBAs clusters per 1 nm 2 can be adsorbed onto the surface area of MWCNTs. We demonstrate that MWCNTs adsorbing magnetic particles exhibit magnetic behavior, and suggest a method for producing ultrafine materials. It also introduces a new method of calculating the adsorption efficiency of carbon nanotubes, offering theoretical guidance for future research on nanomaterials with enhanced adsorption efficiency.