Preparation of iron carbide and iron nanoparticles by laser-induced gas phase pyrolysis

Iron carbides and iron composites preseal a particular interest due to thei r magnetic and catalytic properties which could be highly enhanced if parti cles in the nanometric size range were used. We present results on the synt hesis and characterization of iron-carbide nanoparticles by sensitized CO2 laser pyrolysis or gas mixtures containing iron pentacarbonyl (vapors) and ethylene/acetylene precursors. The influence of the nature of hydrocarbon o n the structural properties of the nanopowders are revealed by different an alytical techniques (IR spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and Mossbauer spectroscopy).