Facile synthesis of single-phase spherical α″-Fe16N2/Al2O3 core-shell nanoparticles via a gas-phase method

When nitrogen was inserted into the spherical α-Fe/Al2O3 core shell of 45 nm nanoparticles, the XRD pattern showed a clear change in the crystal modification from a body-centered cubic crystal to that of a single-phase α″-Fe16N2 structure. SEM, TEM, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping analysis gave the particle size distributions, the shell thickness, and the Fe and Al elements. An examination of the total electron yield (surface sensitive) and fluorescence yield (bulk sensitive) of X-ray absorption fine structure on Fe and N atoms of these core shell nanoparticles confirmed the nitriding of the core iron and showed iron oxide formations on the core surface, indicating stability and resistivity performance. The nitriding process also changed the magnetic properties from paramagnetic to ferromagnetic with a coercivity above 3000 Oe, indicating a promising material for a “rear-earth-free” giant magnet.