Carbon-encapsulated Fe nanoparticles from detonation-induced pyrolysis of ferrocene

Carbon-encapsulated Fe nanoparticles with size between 5 and 20 nm were synthesized via a picric acid-detonation-induced pyrolysis of ferrocene, which is characterized by a self-heating and extremely fast process. The nanoparticles exhibit well-constructed core-shell structures, with bcc-Fe cores and graphitic shells. The graphitic shells can protect effectively the cores against the attack of HNO3 solution. The formation of the core-shell nanoparticles can be selectively controlled by adjusting the composition of the picric acid-ferrocene mixture, which determines C/Fe atomic ratio of the reaction system. The core-shell nanoparticles are preferably formed at low C/Fe atomic ratios, while tubular structures are formed at high C/Fe ratio. The possible pathway for the carbon-encapsulated Fe nanoparticles formation is discussed briefly.