The material was thoroughly characterized by X-ray photoelectron, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopies; transmission and scanning electron microscopies; X-ray diffraction, as well magnetic characterizations using a vibrating sample magnetometer. The material showed a homogeneous dispersion of metal particles in the carbon matrix. We conclude that the combination of magnetic and antibacterial properties makes this material interesting for several applications through the use of magnetic separation protocols.

Magnetic separation is the process of separating components of mixtures by using magnets to attract magnetic materials. The process that is used for magnetic separation detaches non-magnetic material with those that are magnetic.