Evolution of the Local Structure in the Sol-Gel Synthesis of Fe₃C Nanostructures.

ABSTRACT: The sol-gel synthesis of iron carbide (Fe₃C) nanoparticles proceeds through multiple intermediate crystalline phases, including iron oxide (FeO_x) and iron nitride (Fe₃N). The control of particle size is challenging, and most methods produce polydisperse Fe₃C nanoparticles of 20-100 nm in diameter. Given the wide range of applications of Fe₃C nanoparticles, it is essential that we understand the evolution of the system during the synthesis. Here, we report an in situ synchrotron total scattering study of the formation of Fe₃C from gelatin and iron nitrate sol-gel precursors. A pair distribution function analysis reveals a dramatic increase in local ordering between 300 and 350 °C, indicating rapid nucleation and

SUBMITTER: Chambers MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8277138 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature