Formation of graphite encapsulated ferromagnetic particles and a mechanism for their growth

Graphite encapsulated nanoparticles have numerous possible applications due to their novel properties and their ability to survive rugged environments. Evaporation of Fe, Ni, or Co with graphite in a hydrogen atmosphere results in graphite encapsulated nanoparticles found on the chamber walls. Similar experiments in helium lead to nanoparticles embedded in an amorphous carbon/fullerene matrix. Comparing the experimental results in helium and hydrogen, we propose a mechanism for the formation of encapsulated nanoparticles. The hydrogen arc produces polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules, which can act as a precursor to the graphitic layers around the nanoparticles. Direct evidence for this mechanism is given by using pyrene (C16H10), a PAH molecule, as the only carbon source to form encapsulated nanoparticles.