Iron carbides: Magic materials with magnetic and catalytic properties

Abstract Iron carbides nanomaterials have attracted intensive interests due to their potential applications in catalysis, biomedicine and batteries. In this review, first, we will introduce the structures and fundamental feature of iron carbides firstly and then summarize the synthesis methods, such as sol-gel method or high temperature organic phase methods etc. Finally, the applications of various iron carbides in biomedicine, highly efficient catalysis as well as energy storage field will be discussed.