Phase Pure Pyrite FeS2 Nanocubes Synthesized Using Oleylamine as Ligand, Solvent, and Reductant

Feng Jiang, Lauren T. Peckler, Anthony J. Muscat

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

48 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pyrite (FeS2) nanocrystals with a narrow size distribution and optical absorption from 1600 to 380 nm were synthesized in a single stage by reacting ferrous chloride with elemental sulfur in oleylamine (OAm) without an additional ligand. X-ray diffraction, Raman, and scanning electron microscopy showed that pyrite cubes with dimensions of 88 ± 14 nm formed at 200 C, an S to Fe ratio of 6, and 1 h reaction time in OAm. The time required to form phase pure pyrite depended on the S to Fe ratio. Phase purity was obtained in less than 1 h at a ratio of 6, but times as long as 24 h were necessary at a ratio of 2.75. The rate of pyrite formation increased with higher sulfur concentrations, which shows that molecules containing sulfur are involved in the rate-determining step. Both H2S and polysulfides of the form Sn2- are known to form in oleylamine. The slow step is the reaction between FeS and these molecules. Fe2+S2- undergoes nucleophilic attack by H2S and Sn2-; S2- converts to S- and sulfur is transferred forming pyrite Fe2+S22-.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3565-3572
Number of pages8
JournalCrystal Growth and Design
Volume15
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 5 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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