Structural characteristics of Fe3C-based nanomaterials prepared by laser pyrolysis from different gas-phase precursors

Iron-carbon nanocomposites were prepared by the laser pyrolysis of Fe(CO)5-based gas mixtures, alternatively containing toluene and acetylene. Sensitized (with ethylene) gas mixtures and in situ passivation procedures were used. XRD and TEM analysis showed that the highest proportion of the Fe3C phase is to be found in the nanocomposites prepared from toluene. The sample obtained from acetylene exhibits a prevalent maghemite oxide phase.