In situ synthesis of iron-filled nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes and their magnetic properties

Iron-filled nitrogen-doped carbon (Fe@CNx) nanotubes were prepared by an in situ chemical vapor deposition with ferrocene as catalyst and ethylenediamine as carbon and nitrogen sources. The as-grown products were characterized using an X-ray diffractometer, transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyzer and vibrating sample magnetometer. It was found that the “bamboo-like” N-doped carbon nanotubes were filled with 41.1 wt% of Fe nanoparticles. The coercivity and saturation magnetization of Fe@CNx nanotubes were much larger than those of carbon nanotubes and CNx nanotubes.