Synthesis of Fe3C branches via a hexamethylenetetramine route

• Fe3C branches were prepared in a flexible method.
• As-synthesized Fe3C branches perform a core–shell microstructure with a graphite shell.
• Excellent magnetism of Fe3C branches has been obtained.

Fe3C has been successfully prepared though a sol–gel process, performing good magnetic properties, whose saturated magnetization can be adjusted by the heating temperature. The introduction of hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) improves the interference from Fe and ferrite, realizing a flexible and high-efficient route to iron carbide by tertiary amine. We believe the carbon-capsulated Fe3C will be a potential candidate in magnetic materials.

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