Synthesis and magnetic properties of platelet Fe–Co particles

The synthesis scheme for hexagonal shaped Fe–Co platelets with magnetic properties comparable to the bulk is reported for the first time. The hexagonal Fe–Co platelets with the size of about [formula omitted] and an aspect ratio of about 5.4 were prepared by reducing the platelet shaped intermediate obtained in ethylene glycol-metal salts-sodium hydroxide system. The saturation magnetization and coercivity of the Fe–Co hexagonal platelets obtained by reducing the solid intermediate at 673 K in hydrogen atmosphere were above 220 emu/g and 25 Oe, respectively. Since the use of such particles in high frequency applications demand further reduction in size and increment in aspect ratio, a synthesis scheme for particle morphology control was devised. The proposed synthesis scheme using nucleating agents clearly demonstrated that the shape, size, and aspect ratio of the platelets can be controlled freely. Consequently, platelets with elongated shape and thickness of about few hundred nanometers were produced. Though further reduction in size and aspect ratio is demanded, the proposed synthesis scheme holds promise for the development of Fe–Co platelet particles suitable for high frequency applications.