Turning Corn Starch into Magnetic Graphene
Author Information
Author(s): Sankaran Sreenadh Thaikkattu, Dallinger Alexander, Bressi Anna Chiara, Marino Attilio, Ciofani Gianni, Szkudlarek Aleksandra, Bilovol Vitaliy, Sokolowski Krystian, Kunert Birgit, Hampel Hana Kristin, Bernal Hilda Gomez, Greco Francesco
Primary Institution: Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna
Hypothesis
Can corn starch bioplastic be converted into laser-induced graphene (LIG) using iron nitrate as a catalyst?
Conclusion
Corn starch bioplastic can be effectively transformed into a magnetic LIG nanocomposite through iron-catalyzed laser-induced pyrolysis.
Supporting Evidence
- The addition of iron nitrate was crucial for the formation of LIG from corn starch.
- LIG exhibited soft magnetic properties with a coercive field of approximately 200 Oe.
- The corn starch bioplastic degraded almost entirely in soil within 12 days.
- Different concentrations of iron nitrate affected the quality and properties of the LIG produced.
- The study presents the first example of bioderived magnetic LIG nanocomposites.
Takeaway
Scientists found a way to turn corn starch into a special type of graphene that can be used for things like cleaning up the environment. This new material is also magnetic!
Methodology
The study involved preparing corn starch bioplastic, adding iron nitrate, and using laser-induced pyrolysis to create LIG, followed by various analyses to assess properties.
Limitations
The electrical properties of the LIG were unstable due to moisture, which may limit its use in flexible electronics.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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