Controllable synthesis of carbon coated iron-based composite nanoparticles

Different types of carbon coated iron (Fe) based nanoparticles were controllably synthesized by detonation decomposition of urea nitrate metal complex explosive precursors. In order to control the detonation synthesis of the Fe-based composite nanoparticles, the main components of the urea nitrate metal complex explosive precursors were optimally designed. The components, morphologies, structures and various Fe-based phase composition of the as-obtained composite nanoparticles were further investigated by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction spectroscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The results show that discrete, spherical, uniformly sized (~55 nm) iron oxide nanocrystals and core-shell structural composite nanoparticles (graphite coated Fe) were effectively synthesized by adjusting the densities, oxygen balances and mole ratios of C:Fe of these compound explosive precursors. The formation mechanism of these carbon coated Fe-based composites during the instantaneous detonation reaction process is further discussed.