Electrical, magnetic, and corrosion resistance properties of TiO2 nanotubes filled with NiFe2O4 quantum dots and Ni–Fe nanoalloy

• Published in: Applied nanoscience 2013-06, Vol.3 (3), p.241-249
• Main Authors: Bahgat, Mohamed, Farghali, Ahmed A., Moustafa, Ahmed F., Khedr, Mohamed H., Mohassab-Ahmed, Mohassab Y.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry and Materials Science; Materials Science; Membrane Biology; Nanochemistry; Nanotechnology; Nanotechnology and Microengineering; Original Article
• ISSN: 2190-5509; 2190-5517
• DOI: 10.1007/s13204-012-0122-8

This work was carried out as an integral part of a project aiming to improve the catalytic, electrical, magnetic, and mechanical properties of synthesized TiO 2 NTs filled with metal ferrites. TiO 2 nanotubes in the anatase-phase (TiO 2 NTs) were prepared using a hydrothermal method followed by ion exchange and phase transformation. The obtained TiO 2 NTs were filled with NiFe 2 O 4 quantum dots (QDs) and then reacted at 600 °C in a reducing atmosphere to produce TiO 2 NTs filled with Ni–Fe nanoalloy. The effect of the TiO 2 NTs’ coating on the dissolution rate of Ni–Fe nanoalloy in 0.5 M HCl solution was monitored chemically using a weight-loss technique that was performed at different temperatures. The TiO 2 NTs’ coating exhibited high protective performance and amazing corrosion resistance. The magnetic properties of the TiO 2 NTs filled with NiFe 2 O 4 QDs and Ni–Fe nanoalloy compacts were analyzed by a vibrating sample magnetometer. The electrical conductivity-temperature dependence of anatase TiO 2 NTs, anatase TiO 2 NTs filled with NiFe 2 O 4 quantum dots, anatase TiO 2 NTs filled with Ni–Fe nanoalloy, and NiFe 2 O 4 was measured in the temperature range of 25–850 °C. The conductivity increased with temperature, indicating the semiconductor-like nature of the sample. During cooling, the conductivity retains values higher than that obtained during heating.