Identification and properties of ultra-fine iron particles dispersed in a glass-like carbon matrix

Various kinds of iron particles and an iron species were synthesized from acetylferrocenefurfural resins in a glass-like carbon matrix by heat-treatment. These irons were investigated in terms of magnetic susceptibility, saturation magnetization, esr, and the Mössbauer effect. Body-centred cubic (b c c) iron, expanded b c c iron, hexagonal close-packed iron, and cluster iron were present as ultra-fine iron particles. The presence of Fe⁺ was well established as an iron species. The formation of iron particles and Fe⁺ is discussed on the basis of the pyrolysis of ferrocene skeletons in the resin.