Magnetic Properties of Iron in Nanocapsules

Abstract

We have studied the magnetic properties of fine particles of iron and iron carbide nested in carbon cages (nanocapsules), which were synthesized by arc discharge of carbon rods. It is clarified by Mössbauer spectroscopy and thermomagnetic ( M-T ) curve that these particles consist of α-Fe, γ-Fe and Fe 3 C. Their coercive force is larger than that of bulk α-iron, being ascribed to the small particle size observed by high-resolution (HR) transmission electron microscopy (TEM).