Fe3BO5@carbon core-shell urchin-like structures prepared via a one-step co-pyrolysis method

Urchin-like Fe3BO5@carbon core-shell structures (defined as "FBOC") have been fabricated by a one-step co-pyrolysis method using boric acid and ferrocene as raw materials. This complex architecture is composed of high-density Fe3BO5@carbon nanocables that stand on Fe3BO5@carbon structure. After removing the Fe3BO5, hollow urchin-like carbon material was obtained. In the reaction process, B2O3 and H2O that decomposed from H3BO3 have synergistic effect on the formation of urchin-like structures. It is found that urchin-like structures can also be obtained when other materials that can release H2O and B2O3 react with ferrocene. The influences of the reaction conditions on the preparation of FBOC have been discussed in detail. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.