Novel one-pot sol-gel synthesis route of Fe3C/few-layered graphene core/shell nanoparticles embedded in a carbon matrix

•Novel one-spot synthesis route with oleic acid and oleylamine as surfactants.•Surfactants as reducing agents for promoting the carbonization of the precursor micelles instead of its oxidation.•Single-crystal Fe3C/few-layered graphene core-shell NPs with stable and good magnetics properties.•Controlled growth through carbon matrix.