One-step synthesis of air-stable nanocrystalline iron particles by thermal decomposition of triiron dodecacarbonyl

Air-stable Fe nanoparticles have been produced by one-step synthesis, via thermal decomposition of methanol protected Fe3(CO)12 under inert atmosphere. The heating temperature allows control of size and size distribution of the particles, as well as their composition and magnetic properties. Characterization of the obtained particles has been accomplished by TEM, HRTEM, FTIR, XRD, TGA, XPS, elemental analysis, Mössbauer spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Nanoparticles obtained at 900 °C are ferromagnetic with magnetic moment close to that of bulk Fe. These nanocrystalline particles have a core-shell structure where a coating of carbon and Fe3C/Fe3O4 protect the core body-centered cubic Fe from oxidation. The thermal stability of the Fe nanoparticles has been elucidated.