Synthesis and characterization of carbon-encapsulated iron/iron carbide nanoparticles by a detonation method

Carbon-encapsulated iron-based nanoparticles with a core–shell structure were produced by detonation decomposition of explosive mixture precursors containing iron ion components. The size and magnetic properties of the as-prepared composite particles were revealed by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and magnetic measurements. Results showed that the different sizes of the iron-based nanocrystal core and the thickness of the carbon shell could be yielded by adjusting the component materials of the explosive precursors during the course of these detonation chemical reactions. The composite particles had a body-centered cubic iron or iron carbide core with a coating of graphitic or amorphous carbon layers. Magnetic measurements indicated these composite nanoparticles were magnetic at the room temperature, with some variation in the values of saturation magnetization, remanences and coercive forces that depend on the size and grain composition.