Structural and Magnetic Investigation of Bi₂S₃@Fe₃O₄ Nanocomposites for Medical Applications

Bi₂S₃ and Fe₃O₄ nanostructures as well as Bi₂S₃@Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites were produced using hydrothermal synthesis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectra (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used in the characterization of the nanocomposites. The effect of heat treatment on chemical, physical and magnetic properties of the nanostructures was investigated in this study. It was determined that the duration of heat treatment affects the size and shape of the nanostructures. Bi₂S₃ samples produced using less than 12 h of heat treatment formed in nanoflower-like shapes whereas when the heat treatment was extended to 24 h, the samples formed in nanoribbon-like shapes. The study concludes that an increase in the duration of heat treatment enhances the saturation value of magnetization of Fe₃O₄ nanostructures. Bi₂S₃ nanostructures were doped with Fe₃O₄ nanostructures to produce Bi₂S₃@Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites which have significant magnetic properties. An increased duration of heat treatment increases the magnetic saturation values of Fe₃O₄ and Bi₂S₃@Fe₃O₄ nanostructures. Bi₂S₃, Fe₃O₄ and Bi₂S₃@Fe₃O₄ samples show X-ray imaging contrast enhancement properties.