Carbon-encapsulated Fe nanoparticles from detonation-induced pyrolysis of ferrocene Original Research Article

Carbon-encapsulated Fe nanoparticles with size between 5 and 20 nm were synthesized via a picric acid-detonation-induced pyrolysis of ferrocene, which is characterized by a self-heating and extremely fast process. The nanoparticles exhibit well-constructed core–shell structures, with bcc-Fe cores and graphitic shells. The graphitic shells can protect effectively the cores against the attack of HNO3 solution. The formation of the core–shell nanoparticles can be selectively controlled by adjusting the composition of the picric acid-ferrocene mixture, which determines C/Fe atomic ratio of the reaction system. The core–shell nanoparticles are preferably formed at low C/Fe atomic ratios, while tubular structures are formed at high C/Fe ratio. The possible pathway for the carbon-encapsulated Fe nanoparticles formation is discussed briefly.