Synthesis, characterization and magnetic properties of Fe-Al nanopins

We report the synthesis of Fe-Al nanopins using arc discharge. The morphology and chemical composition of the Fe-Al nanopins were studied by means of X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The nanopins are composed of a spherical base of about 20-100 nm and a needle-like tip of about several hundred nanometers. EDX and HRTEM studies indicate that the spherical base is mainly composed of α-Fe and FeAl core coated with a thin Al2O3 layer, while the needle-like part contains only Al and O and corresponds to Al2O3. The formation mechanism of the nanopins is suggestive of a vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth process. The as-prepared Fe-Al nanopins show ferromagnetic properties. The temperature dependence of the magnetization at high temperatures indicates the existence of some phase transformations.