Structural and Magnetic Investigation of Bi2S3@Fe3O4 Nanocomposites for Medical Applications

Abstract

Bi2S3 and Fe3O4 nanostructures as well as Bi2S3@Fe3O4 nanocomposites were produced using hydrothermal synthesis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectra (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used in the characterization of the nanocomposites. The effect of heat treatment on chemical, physical and magnetic properties of the nanostructures was investigated in this study. It was determined that the duration of heat treatment affects the size and shape of the nanostructures. Bi2S3 samples produced using less than 12 h of heat treatment formed in nanoflower-like shapes whereas when the heat treatment was extended to 24 h, the samples formed in nanoribbon-like shapes. The study concludes that an increase in the duration of heat treatment enhances the saturation value of magnetization of Fe3O4 nanostructures. Bi2S3 nanostructures were doped with Fe3O4 nanostructures to produce Bi2S3@Fe3O4 nanocomposites which have significant magnetic properties. An increased duration of heat treatment increases the magnetic saturation values of Fe3O4 and Bi2S3@Fe3O4 nanostructures. Bi2S3, Fe3O4 and Bi2S3@Fe3O4 samples show X-ray imaging contrast enhancement properties.