Formation and some properties of Fe core–shell powders with experimental parameters of the chemical vapor condensation process

Core–shell powders, recently, have aroused interest because of their potential applications in various areas such as electronics, optics, catalysis, ferrofluids, and magnetic data storage. Their unique properties and superior performances are determined by their powder size, shell thickness and surface structure, phase and powder interaction. In this study, carbon-coated Fe core–shell powders were prepared by chemical vapor condensation (CVC) process using Fe metal–organic (Fe(CO)5) precursor and carbon containing carrier gases such as carbon monoxide and methane. Effects of experimental parameters on the properties of the as-produced core–shell powders were studied by X-ray diffractometer, Brunauer–Emitter–Teller analyzer, high resolution transmission electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer. The microstructures and phases of the synthesized core–shell powders varied with the decomposition temperature of the precursors and the flow rate of the carrier gases. CVC Fe powders showed intricate long stand-like structure because of intrinsic magnetic properties of Fe.