Novel one-pot sol-gel synthesis route of Fe3C/few-layered graphene core/shell nanoparticles embedded in a carbon matrix

Fe3C/few-layered graphene core/shell nanoparticles embedded in a carbon matrix are synthesized by novel two-step surfactant sol-gel strategy, where the processes of hydrolysis, polycondensation and drying take place one-pot. The present approach is based on combined action oleic acid oleylamine, which act sterically precursor micelles when densification temperature performed reducing atmosphere. structural magnetic evolution formed compounds investigated, ranging from iron oxides such as Fe3O4 FeO, to formation pure Fe3C/C samples 700 ºC onwards. Interestingly, Fe3C with size ~20 nm crystallize immersed surrounding environment forms an oriented encapsulation built few-layered graphene. nanostructures show saturation magnetization ~43 emu/g moderate coercivity ~500 Oe. Thereby, innovative chemical route produce single phase described, effective method passivation proposed, yielding product high response stability against environmental corrosion.