Electrochemical characterization of core-shell carbon-encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles

In this paper we studied the electrochemical behaviour of core-shell carbon-encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles (CEMNPs). CEMNPs have core diameters between 15 and 35 nm and are comprised of Fe, Fe3C and NdC2 nanoparticles encapsulated in crystalline carbon cages. Direct current cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies showed that carbon-encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles are stable in electrolyte environments. The graphitic coating perfectly isolates the encapsulated particles from the electrolyte in a wide range of potentials. CEMNP-based electrodes have low resistance (0.43-1.44 Omega cm(2)) and posses a specific capacity of 10-40 F g(-1), which depends on the surface area and the crystallinity. It was shown, that CEMNPs are interesting multi-functional materials with a high potential to be used in various electrochemical devices. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.