Fabrication and characterization of magnetite/reduced graphene oxide composite incurred from iron ore tailings for high performance application

Abstract A feasible approach to synthesis iron oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ) from waste iron ore tailings (IOTs) to synthesis magnetic graphene (Fe 3 O 4 /rGO) is demonstrated in the present study. Plain Fe 3 O 4 was prepared by acid leaching of IOTs with hydrochloric acid followed by co precipitation. The anchoring of Fe 3 O 4 onto the graphene template was done by hydrothermal method involving polyvinylpyrollidone (PVP) as a surface directing agent. The samples were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, Nitrogen adsorption–desorption studies, XPS and Raman spectroscopic analysis. The electrochemical performances of the material were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic charge–discharge techniques. The synergistic effect between the rGO matrix and Fe 3 O 4 directs to increased conductivity and ionic diffusion, leading to a material with superior electrochemical performance. Thus the synthesis of magnetic graphene composite from IOTs was technically feasible, providing additional opportunities for future application of these composites in environmental management.