Preparation of FeCo/C-N and FeNi/C-N Nanocomposites from Acrylamide Co-Crystallizates and Their Use as Lubricant Additives

FeCo and FeNi nanoalloy particles encapsulated in a nitrogen-doped carbonized shell (FeCo/C-N and FeNi/C-N) were synthesized by thermolysis at 400 degrees C of polyacrylamide complexes after frontal polymerization of co-crystallizate of Fe and Co or Ni nitrates and acrylamide. During the thermolysis of polyacrylamide complexes in a self-generated atmosphere, Co(II) or Ni(II) and Fe(III) cations are reduced to form FeCo and FeNi nanoalloy particles, while polyacrylamide simultaneously forms a nitrogen-doped carbon shell layer. This unique architecture provides high chemical and thermal stability of the resulting nanocomposites. The average crystallite size of FeCo and FeNi nanoparticles is 10 and 12 nm, respectively. The nanocomposites were studied by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The nanocomposites have been tested as antifriction and antiwear additives in lubricating oils. The optimal concentrations of nanoparticles were determined, at which the antifriction and antiwear properties of the lubricant manifest themselves in the best possible way.

Automated summary

This study introduces the synthesis of FeCo and FeNi nanoalloy particles encapsulated in a nitrogen-doped carbonized shell through thermolysis of polyacrylamide complexes. The unique architecture provides high chemical and thermal stability, with average crystallite sizes of 10nm and 12nm for FeCo and FeNi nanoparticles, respectively. These nanocomposites have been tested as antifriction and antiwear additives in lubricating oils.