Preparation and characterization of iron nanoparticles protected by an oxide film

Abstract

Iron nanopowders ranging in particle size from 20 to 100 nm have been synthesized by reducing a 1-mm-thick iron(III) hydroxide layer in flowing hydrogen at 400°C and then passivated for 6–60 min in flowing argon containing 3% air. Our results demonstrate that the passivated iron nanopowders do not oxidize in air for six months. The iron nanoparticles have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (crystallite size evaluation), Auger electron spectroscopy, and polymolecular adsorption. The passivated iron nanoparticles have been shown to consist of a metallic core and oxide shell 2–4 nm in thickness.