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

Abstract 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 CNFwater) and the other by N,N-Dimethylformamide and anhydrous alcohol (named as CNFDMF). Due to the higher solubility to iron salts and larger surface tension of water, CNFwater 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 CNFwater than CNFDMF. These factors endowed CNFwater 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.