Growth of magnetic carbon with a nanoporous and graphitic structure

A porous magnetic composite is synthesized in which each magnetic nanoparticle is closely encapsulated by several graphitic layers and the resulting units are embedded in a carbon matrix with a nanoporous and graphitic structure. The experiments involve preparation of an iron-containing carbon precursor by thermal pyrolysis and subsequent heat treatment of the precursor. Both magnetic particles and porous carbon with a graphitic structure are formed at the same time. After the heat treatment, no additional treatment is needed. The prepared sample has a high surface area of 275–395 m2 g−1, a high saturation magnetism of 43–65 emu g−1 and a high coercivity of 370–650 Oe.