Synthesis of air stable FeCo nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanoparticulate FeCo alloys have been synthesized by Fe(CO)5 and Co2(CO)8 thermal decomposition in paraffin oil in the presence of oleic acid and oleyl amine. The crystal structure and morphology of the nanoparticles were confirmed by powder x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The size and crystallinity of the particles was found to depend on the reaction conditions such as the precursors concentration, reaction time, and carbonyls injection temperature. Also the Fe/Co ratio can be easily controlled by controlling the Fe and Co carbonyls ratio. The as-made nanoparticles were annealed at 500 °C under CH4 stream in order to be protected from future oxidation. This treatment leads to the formation of a graphitic shell around the particles which also protects them from sintering. Additionally, these particles can be functionalized with 1-pyrenebutiric acid in order to be soluble in various solvents.