Carbon nanotubes loaded with magnetic particles

We describe a simple and versatile technique to produce magnetic tubes by filling carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with paramagnetic iron oxide particles (similar to 10 nm diameter). Commercial ferrofluids were used to fill CNTs with an average outer diameter of 300 nm made via chemical vapor deposition into alumina membranes. Transmission electron microscopy study shows a high density of particles inside the CNT. Experiments using external magnetic fields demonstrate that almost 100% of the nanotubes become magnetic and can be easily manipulated in magnetic field. These one-dimensional magnetic nanostructures can find numerous applications in nanotechnology, memory devices, optical transducers for wearable electronics, and in medicine.