Electrical, magnetic, and corrosion resistance properties of TiO sub(2) nanotubes filled with NiFe sub(2)O sub(4) 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: Anatase; Corrosion resistance; Magnetic properties; Nanostructure; Nickel; Quantum dots; Resistivity; Titanium dioxide
• 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 sub(2)NTs filled with metal ferrites. TiO sub(2) nanotubes in the anatase-phase (TiO sub(2)NTs) were prepared using a hydrothermal method followed by ion exchange and phase transformation. The obtained TiO sub(2)NTs were filled with NiFe sub(2)O sub(4) quantum dots (QDs) and then reacted at 600 degree C in a reducing atmosphere to produce TiO sub(2)NTs filled with Ni-Fe nanoalloy. The effect of the TiO sub(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 sub(2)NTs' coating exhibited high protective performance and amazing corrosion resistance. The magnetic properties of the TiO sub(2)NTs filled with NiFe sub(2)O sub(4) QDs and Ni-Fe nanoalloy compacts were analyzed by a vibrating sample magnetometer. The electrical conductivity-temperature dependence of anatase TiO sub(2)NTs, anatase TiO sub(2)NTs filled with NiFe sub(2)O sub(4) quantum dots, anatase TiO sub(2)NTs filled with Ni-Fe nanoalloy, and NiFe sub(2)O sub(4) was measured in the temperature range of 25-850 degree 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.