Tuneable magnetic properties of single-domain oxidation-resistant core/shell FeCo/Cu nanostructures

Abstract

The displacement reaction technique was used to produce a nanostructured core/shell FeCo/Cu composed of FeCo core and copper (Cu) shell. The formation of the core-shell structure and thickness of the Cu layer is established and determined by analyzing the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. The transmission electron microscope and selected area diffraction pattern analysis corroborate the results of the XRD studies. Magnetic force microscopic studies reveal that the FeCo/Cu particle shows single-domain characteristics. Oxidation studies indicate that Cu serves as a protective layer and provides a better oxidation resistance to the FeCo core even at high temperatures. Heat-treated FeCo/Cu particles show the possibility of tuning the magnetic properties of this core-shell structure to fit specific application requirements.