Bulk synthesis of carbon nanocapsules and nanotubes containing magnetic nanoparticles via low energy laser pyrolysis of ferrocene

A one-step synthesis route to carbon nanocapsules and nanotubes containing Fe and Fe3C nanoparticles is reported. Low power laser assisted pyrolysis of ferrocene yielded carbon nanocapsules (30-100 nm in diameter) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (30-80 nm in diameter). The developed route is fast and enables one to synthesize the products at a rate of 84 mg/min. The iron content in the product (10-42 wt.%) can be varied by modulating the buffer gas pressure during the synthesis process.