Ferromagnetic Nanomaterials Obtained by Thermal Decomposition of Ferrocene

Abstract

Ferromagnetic micro and nano particles that are chemically resistant have been obtained by thermal decomposition of ferrocenes in a tightly closed chamber at high pressures. The investigation is focused on the influence of decomposition temperature, work atmosphere, temperature-change rate and process duration. According to the conditions, Fe3C, Fe3O4 and pure α-Fe particles have been created. Their composition and structure have been studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy, Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy, Electron Probe X-ray Micro Analysis and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry. In a tightly closed chamber, all components obtained during the decomposition process remain there. This difference to the widely-used Chemical Vapor Deposition method is very important. It inhibits the decomposition process and growth of ordered structures, preventing the end materials to be separated from each other. During the process, iron is liberated from the ferrocene molecule. Experiments have shown that it is highly chemically active to carbon and oxygen. For example, creation of carbide occured in conditions that are not allowed according to the iron-carbon phase diagram valid for bulk iron. Parallel to the reaction of iron with carbon (according to work atmosphere), the surplus of carbon atoms causes emerging of carbon nanoparticles.