Magnetic γ'-Fe4 N/Fe3 C, χ-Fe5 C2 , and θ-Fe3 C by a Simple Route for Application as Electrochemical Catalysts.

A new and simple method to fabricate magnetic Fe4 N/Fe3 C samples is reported. Meanwhile, pure phase iron carbides (θ-Fe3 C and χ-Fe5 C2 ) were obtained by controlling experimental conditions. The structures, magnetic properties, and morphology of the samples were investigated according to the generalized analysis of X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, as well as transmission electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. The magnetic properties measurement revealed the remarkable magnetic properties of the samples at 2 and 300 K. The application of the prepared samples as catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction was also investigated in alkaline solution. This simple and convenient route provides a new path to fabricate other metal nitrides and carbides.