Self-assembled Fe–B nanochains: Facile synthesis, magnetic and electrochemical properties

• Fe–B nanochains are successfully prepared for the first time.
• Fe–B nanochains are self-assembled from the magnetic Fe–B nanoparticles.
• Fe–B nanochains exhibit excellent magnetic and electrochemical activities.

Fe–B nanochains are prepared by a modified chemical reduction method by introducing the cyclohexane–water interface for reaction. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy tests show that this Fe–B is composed of several wire-like nanochains. X-ray diffraction pattern reveals that the Fe–B nanochains obtained are in amorphous form. The formation of these Fe–B nanochains is discussed and attributed to the self-assembly of magnetic Fe–B nanoparticles on the cyclohexane–water interface. Compared to Fe–B nanoparticles, Fe–B nanochains exhibit much higher magnetic and electrochemical activities.