A brief overview of magnetic metal - carbon nanocomposites

Metal–carbon nanomaterials and nanocomposites are advanced materials that can fulfill modern technologies challenges. In magnetic metal-carbon nanocomposites, the carbon allotropes and metals can interchange as nanofiller and binding matrix. One of the primary concerns with magnetic materials is their structural, thermal, and chemical stability. The composition, temperature, and fabrication method of metal-carbon nanomaterials are the significant factors that can influence their performance. The carbon allotropes such as graphene, CNT, and fullerene can be nanofillers for a metallic magnetic matrix to improve their overall performance. In addition, the magnetic monometallic (Fe, Co, Ni) and bimetallic (Fe–Co, Fe–Ni, Fe–Cu, Co–Cu, and Co-Ni alloys) nanofillers with carbon matrix can also be a combination for metal-carbon nanocomposites. Among these combinations, the carbon allotropes reinforcement in the metal matrix attracts researchers due to its low-cost, facile, and industrially scalability with excellent tribo-mechanical strength, high thermo-electrical properties, and adequate corrosion resistance. These materials are used in applications such as hydrogen fuel cells, microelectronic, bio-medical devices and implants, solid lubricants, catalysts, etc. This review article discusses the fabrication method, reinforcement patterns, compositions, magnetic properties of metal carbon nanocomposites, and future applications. (author)