Graphitic encapsulation of MgO and Fe3C nanoparticles in the reaction of iron pentacarbonyl with magnesium

•We present a simple method to produce highly ordered carbon nanostructures by combustion synthesis.•The cubic MgO particles are completely coated by tight graphitic shells.•The mechanism of formation a distant carbon film on MgO surface has been discussed.•The presented method can be applied to synthesis of other core-shell structures.

A simple method to produce highly ordered carbon nanostructures by combustion synthesis is presented. Graphite-encapsulated magnesium oxide, iron carbide nanoparticles and carbon nanobelts were synthesized by the one-step reduction of iron pentacarbonyl with magnesium. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis of the products revealed nanocrystalline MgO and Fe3C particles surrounded by a well-crystallized, tight graphite film. The possible formation mechanism is presented and discussed.