Magnetic nanocellulose: influence of structural features on conductivity and magnetic properties

Magnetic cellulose (MC) is prepared by hydrolysis of iron precursors in an aqueous dispersion of cellulose nanofibers. A thin, flexible film was then prepared by removing the water and drying the sample in a hot press at 110 °C followed by the removal of the water. Structural analysis of MC was performed and correlated with the measurement of electromagnetic properties. The magnetic cellulose showed high magnetic saturation of 68 emu/g with characteristic superparamagnetic behaviour, and conductivity in a range of semiconductors, with an increase of direct current (DC) conductivity with increasing temperature. Modification of cellulose with Fe 3 O 4 has a positive effect on the DC conductivity and lower limit that needs to be exceeded to achieve a stable and sustainable conductivity in the range of ~ 5–20 × 10 –9 (Ω cm) −1 @30 °C is 65 wt% of the Fe 3 O 4 for studied MC composites. The surface roughness of the magnetic cellulose shows a dynamic change with increasing temperature, which is closely related to the enhancement of MC conductivity. A theoretical model of the conductivity is calculated based on continuous 2D percolation and shows an interesting agreement with the experimental results. Graphical abstract