Two step synthesis, electromagnetic and microwave absorbing properties of FeCo@C core-shell nanostructure

In this research synthesis of FeCo@C core-shell nanoparticles was done using a novel two step process including the microemulsion technique and alcohol catalytic chemical vapor deposition. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, electron beam diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy confirm the formation of FeCo@graphite core-shell nanostructure. Compared with FeCo nanoparticles with an oxide shell, the graphite shell restricts the growth of the FeCo nanoparticles, leading to lower saturation magnetization and higher natural-resonance frequency. The electromagnetic characteristics including permittivity, permeability and loss tangents of FeCo nanoparticles/nanoencapsulates were determined in the frequency range of 2-18 GHz. Results show that the graphite coating dramatically improves electromagnetic wave absorption of FeCo nanoparticles due to several dielectric/magnetic loss mechanisms. The main mechanism enhancing the dielectric loss tangent is Deby׳s dual relaxation phenomenon and for magnetic loss is the ferromagnetic resonance. The maximum reflection loss of −40 dB at 2.5 mm thickness and the maximum effective absorption bandwidth (RL<−20 dB) of 5.6 GHz at 3 mm thickness were obtained for FeCo nanoencapsulates.