A simple, controllable, and scalable synthetic strategy for highly uniform N-doped carbon coating on nanoparticles

Abstract

The carbon coating enables nanoparticles to withstand harsh environments, but achieving uniformity and scalability for their industrial use remains a challenge. In this work, we present a simple, controllable, and scalable strategy for one-pot coating with an N-doped carbon layer on the surface of various nanoparticles, including semiconductors, oxides, transition metals, and noble metals. Uniform coverage of the N-doped carbon layer was achieved through an autogenic pressure reaction of gaseous species derived from starting precursors in a closed reactor. The thickness of the coating layer could be precisely controlled by adjusting the amount of precursor, even down to the 1 nm level, because the precursor is completely consumed in the reactor without any loss. The crystallinity of the N-doped carbon layer could be modified by altering the coating temperature. Moreover, the results demonstrate that this coating process can be applied to different types of nanoparticles. Tests confirmed that nanoparticles retain their inherent nature while exhibiting more stable and enhanced properties after the N-doped carbon coating. We believe this approach offers a straightforward synthetic route for the design and application of nanoparticle coatings.