Synthesis of monodispersed fcc and fct FePt/FePd nanoparticles by microwave irradiation

A simple microwave heating method has been used for the stoichiometrically controlled synthesis of FePt and FePd nanoparticles using Na2Fe(CO)(4) and Pt(acac)(2)/Pd( acac) 2 as the main reactants. By varying the solvents and surfactants, the microwave assisted reactions have shown a significant advantage for the rapid production of monodisperse fcc FePt nanoparticle metal alloys which can be converted to the fct phase at low temperatures (364 degrees C). Microwave reactions at high pressure (closed system) have led to the direct formation of a mixture of fcc and fct phase FePt nanoparticles. Room temperature structural and magnetic properties of materials have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, HRTEM and magnetic measurements. The onset of ordering has been investigated by in situ high temperature X-ray diffraction studies.