Structural and compositional evolution of FePt nanocubes in oganometallic synthesis

In this study, the mechanisms for the formation of FePt nanocubes via pyrolysis of iron pentacarbonate [Fe(CO)5] and platinum(II) acetylacetonate [Pt(acac)2] were investigated. The time evolution of the structure, morphology, and composition of the FePt nanocubes was probed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at different reaction stages. On the basis of the detailed characterization, we determined the following aspects of the reaction mechanism: (1) The FePt nanocubes are rapidly formed at 160°C to 180°C by the decomposition of the precursors, and the formation of the FePt nanocubes is dominated by the nucleation of Pt-rich species followed by a slow deposition process of Fe atoms. (2) A thin Fe atomic layer is present on the FePt nanocubes, which does not influence their phase transition into a fct structure. (3) The use of Fe(CO)5 is the key factor leading to the anisotropic growth of the FePt nanocubes, and the Fe(CO)5/Pt(acac)2 molar ratio not only determines the composition of the resulting FePt nanocubes but also affects their morphology and structures.