Synthesis and magnetic properties of new [Fe18S25](TETAH)14 (TETAH equals protonated triethylenetetramine) nanoribbons:: An efficient precursor to Fe7S8 nanowires and porous Fe2O3 nanorods

A solvothermal reaction in a mixed solvent made of triethylenetetriamine (TETA) and deionized water (DIW) results in the formation of well-defined [Fe18S25](TETAH)(14) nanoribbons. A suitable volume ratio of TETA and DIW is essential for the formation of elegant [Fe18S25](TETAH)(14) nanoribbons. The [Fe18S25](TETAH)(14) nanoribbons can act as efficient precursors for production of either Fe7S8 nanowires or porous alpha-Fe2O3 nanorods by thermal decomposition of [Fe18S25](TETAH)(14) in an argon or air atmosphere. The present study demonstrates that the combination of small molecule polyamine with magnetic semiconductor makes it possible to obtain new hybrid nanostructured materials. The thermal decomposition of this new hybrid material is a powerful tool as a unique pathway for controlled synthesis of transition metal chacolgenide nanomaterials and porous transition metal oxides.