Varying the size and magnetic properties of carbon-encapsulated cobalt particles

Nanoscale Co-based catalysts for low-temperature CO oxidation

A novel MOF-derived metallic cobalt-based catalyst for low-temperature CO oxidation was developed. This catalyst exhibited high catalytic activity even at a temperature as low as −30 °C and improved tolerance of moisture as compared to other Co-based materials.

Preparation of Carbon-Encapsulated Fe Core-Shell Nanostructures by Confined Arc Plasma

Special carbon encapsulated Fe core-shell nanoparticles with a size range of 15–40 nm were successfully prepared via confined arc plasma method. The composition, morphology, microstructure, specific surface area, particle size of the product by this process were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry (XEDS) and BET N2adsorption. The experiment results shown that the carbon encapsulated Fe nanoparticles with clear core-shell structure, the core of the particles is body centered cubic (BCC) structure Fe, and the shell of the particles is disorder carbons. The particle size of the nanocapsules ranges from 15 to 40nm，with an averaged value about 30nm, the particles diameter of the core is about 16nm and the thickness of the shells is about 6-8 nm, and the specific surface area is 24 m2/g.

From Colloidal Co/CoO Core/Shell Nanoparticles to Arrays of Metallic Nanomagnets: Surface Modification and Magnetic Properties

The magnetic properties of nanoparticles can be subject to strong variations as the chemical composition of the particle surface is modified. To study this interrelation of surface chemistry and magnetism, self-assembled layers of colloidal 9.5 nm Co/CoO core/shell nanoparticles were exposed to mild reactive hydrogen and oxygen plasmas. The consecutive oxygen/hydrogen plasma treatment transforms the particle layer into an array of metallic nanomagnets with complete reduction of the oxide and removal of the organic surfactants. The original arrangement of the particle array and the number of Co atoms per particle remains unchanged within the experimental error, and thus this is a possible route for the fabrication of ultrahigh-density magnetic bit structures from colloidal dispersions. The magnetic properties can be tuned by controlling the thickness of the surface oxide layer, which magnetically hardens the particles, as evidenced by element-specific magnetic hysteresis loops.