Hyperthermic efficacy of suitably functionalized MWCNT decorated with MnFe₂O₄ nanocomposite

We investigate the efficacy of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and amine-functionalized MWCNT decorated with MnFe₂O₄ nanocomposites as heating material for magnetic hyperthermia applications. Samples are prepared by a standard solvothermal method. Phase formation of MnFe₂O₄ has been confirmed by X-ray diffractogram and attachment of nanoparticles on the surface of functionalized MWCNT is evident from transmission electron microscopic image of nanocomposite. Fourier transform infrared spectrum of PEG-functionalized MWCNT and amine-functionalized MWCNT confirmed the presence of PEG and amine group, respectively. As desirable for stability in magnetic hyperthermia, vibration sample magnetometer study suggests superparamagnetic behaviour of all the samples at temperatures 300 K, 200 K and 100 K except at 5 K, which is below blocking temperature as confirmed by ZFC–FC curves. Estimated Curie temperature (T_C) and room temperature effective anisotropy is found to increase in nanocomposites, highest for amine-functionalized MWCNT/MnFe₂O₄ nanocomposite. A clear correlation between effective anisotropy and heat generation capability (SAR/ILP) has been observed: higher the anisotropy, higher is the heat generation capability (SAR/ILP).