Anisotropic magnetic carbon materials based on graphite and magnetite nanoparticles

Magnetic graphite materials (GMag) were prepared by adsorbing oleate coated magnetite nanoparticles (MagNP) on the exposed surfaces of graphite, in the powder form. The materials were characterized by SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and EDX (energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence), and their magnetic properties were probed with a SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) magnetometer. By incorporating MagNP, the modified graphite became responsive to magnetic fields, either as a powder or liquid suspension, allowing to reflect white light and lasers, and to control the light beam transmission, simulating smart windows and optical displays.