Low coercive field and conducting nanocomposite formed by Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} and poly(thiophene)

Magnetite and poly(thiophene) composites have been produced by in situ monomer oxidation. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} as particle agglomerates ranging from 15 to ca. 54 nm in size. Transmission electron micrographs (TEMs) revealed a face-to-face structure in both the pure magnetite and the nanocomposite. Typical superparamagnetic (ferrimagnetic) curves have been observed, whereas the relatively weak magnetic field employed in measurement, 200 Oe, was sufficient to split the curves completely. Zero field cooling (ZFC) and field cooling (FC) curves coincide only above room temperature, indicating that the characteristic blocking temperature (T{sub B}) for superparamagnetic particles in this assembly is above room temperature. - Graphical abstract: TEM image of magnetite/poly(thiophene) nanocomposite.