A large-scale carbon nanotube∕CoFe2O4 (CNTs∕CoFe2O4) spinel nanocomposite has been fabricated by a chemical vapor deposition method using CoFe2O4 nanoparticles as catalysts. A uniform mixture of CNTs and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles was obtained simultaneously. The structure and chemical composition of the product were investigated using various techniques, such as x-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and electron energy loss spectroscopy. It was found that the particles functionalized on CNTs were cubic phase CoFe2O4. Microwave absorption of the CNT∕CoFe2O4 nanocomposites at 2–18 GHz is evidently enhanced, as compared with that of both pure CNTs and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. The enhancement mechanism is discussed based on magnetization hysteresis loop measurement and electromagnetic theory.

Semiconductors D 8000Optical Properties and Electronic Structure of Spinel ZnRh 2 O 4 . -The title compound is characterized by DFT calculations and optical measurements. It is a semiconductor with an indirect band gap of about 1.2 eV, which is much lower than previously reported. With the exception of the value of the bandgap the compound seems to be a good candidate as a photoelectrode material for electrochemical decomposition of H2O.-(SINGH*, D. J.; RAI, R. C.; MUSFELDT, J. L.; AULUCK, S.; SINGH, N.; KHALIFAH, P.; MCCLURE, S.; MANDRUS, D. G.; Chem.