“Core-Shell” Nanoparticles in carbon matrix*

Carbon coated Fe nanoparticles have been synthesized using solid-phase pyrolysis of iron phthalocyanine (FeC₃₂H₁₆N₈) at high temperature (1000°C). The product of pyrolysis additionally annealed at 250°C under the oxygen media allows to produce Fe₃O₄ shell architecture over Fe nanoparticles. The weight percentage of Fe-Fe₃O₄ core-shell nanoparticles in carbon matrix is about 13 wt.%. Changing the pyrolysis conditions, it is possible to vary sizes of nanoparticles from 5 to 100 nm. The quantitative composition of the "core-shell" was controlled by changing the concentration of oxygen. Complex structural investigations of these materials are obtained using HRTEM, STEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectrometers.