Iron pyrite (fool’s gold, FeS2) has a high absorption coefficient and an indirect band gap of ~0.95 eV, making it a promising optoelectronic material. FeS2 is also abundant and non-toxic compared to commonly employed chalcogenides semiconductor materials. Photovoltaic investigations into FeS2 have not progressed as quickly as other materials because of its complicated synthesis control and conflicting crystal studies.
In this hot paper the Ren group report the nanoscale synthesis and characteristics of FeS2. The authors systematically change the different synthetic variables in the synthesis such as reaction temperature and chemical precursors. Five different nanocrystal shapes are observed with two different growth directions by controlling both the thermal and chemical precursor effects. The authors propose a thermodynamic model behind the shape-controlled synthesis.
Thermodynamic control of iron pyrite nanocrystal synthesis with high photoactivity and stability
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2013, Advance Article. DOI: 10.1039/c2ta00498d (read for free for a short time)
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