A descriptive model linking possible formation mechanisms for graphite-encapsulated nanocrystals to processing parameters

New and modified mechanisms are proposed to account for detailed observations of carbon encapsulation of Fe, Ni, and Co nanocrystals. The mechanisms are based on aerosol and gas phase chemistry and on the catalytic effects of transition metals. Two parameters are found to qualitatively dominate production: the local-path carbon-to-metal ratio (LCM) and the global carbon-to-metal ratio (GCM). LCM's select which mechanisms are active along each pathway within the reactor. The GCM places bounds upon and determines the weighting between different LCM's and thus determines the distribution of different nanoscale products within the collected, macroscopic product. A two part processing parameter → mechanism → product map links the components. The generality of the model is discussed throughout with reference to related processes and the encapsulation of other materials.