Exploring the Magnetic Properties of the Iron-Nitrogen System

The magnetic properties of the iron-nitrogen system have only been explored on a very limited basis. Theoretical predictions of the magnetic behavior of the different phases of iron nitride are limited and experimental data is quite sparse. By employing several different techniques which include solution based nanoparticle nitridation, electrochemical methods, and metathesis based reactions we have synthesized several different phases of iron nitride: FeN, Fe₂N, Fe₃N, Fe₄N, and Fe₂₄N₁₀. Additionally, we have demonstrated a path for consolidating raw powders of iron nitride into bulk material, enabling additional characterization and application in macroscopic devices. Our difficulties and successes in synthesizing and processing these different phases of iron nitride will be described. Additionally, the magnetic properties of these seldom explored iron-nitrogen compounds will be summarized.