Growth of magnetic carbon with a nanoporous and graphitic structure

A porous magnetic composite is synthesized in which each magnetic nanoparticle is closely encapsulated by several graphitic layers and the resulting units are embedded in a carbon matrix with a nanoporous and graphitic structure. The experiments involve preparation of an iron-containing carbon precursor by thermal pyrolysis and subsequent heat treatment of the precursor. Both magnetic particles and porous carbon with a graphitic structure are formed at the same time. After the heat treatment, no additional treatment is needed. The prepared sample has a high surface area of 275-395 m(2) g(-1), a high saturation magnetism of 43-65 emu g(-1) and a high coercivity of 370-650 Oe. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.