Evolution of the Structure and Magnetic Properties of Ni@C Composite Nanoparticles upon Annealing

Nanopowders Ni@C synthesized by gas condensation have a core-shell structure. The size of the core is 2–10 nm and the thickness of the shell is 1–3 nm. The changes in the magnetic properties and the structure of these particles upon annealing in the 100–1100°C temperature range are investigated in this work. Analysis of changes in the magnetic properties, the structure, and the chemical stability shows that the core of the particles in the initial state after synthesis is a supersaturated solid solution of carbon in nickel, which decomposes into nickel and carbon upon high-temperature annealing. Rather slow cooling of nickel particles causes the carbon shell to form. The shell ensures their chemical stability.