Morphology controllable syntheses of micro- and nano-iron pyrite mono- and poly-crystals: a review

Abstract

Synthesis of iron pyrite with defined morphology has long been actively pursued, due to the strong size and shape dependence of their chemical and physical properties. This review provides comprehensive information outlining current knowledge regarding the morphology controllable syntheses of micro-and nano-iron pyrite mono-and poly-crystals. The wet-chemical methods are summarized as the controllable syntheses, including the hydrothermal, solvothermal, hot-injection and heating-up methods, sulphidation and methods with other relatively high efficiencies. The present study reveals the discussion of relationship between the morphologies and major controlling factors, the temperature, precursor chemicals, solvents and surfactants. The existing challenges for future fine tuning of iron pyrite facets are also proposed for improving the performance of iron pyrite based materials.

Periodic DFT+U investigation of the bulk and surface properties of marcasite (FeS2)

“…Hydration of the marcasite surfaces acts to coordinate water to the under-coordinated surface Fe ions and so stabilize the surfaces. The large expression of the {101} and {010} facets in the marcasite crystal morphology compared to the {100} facet in the cubic crystal of pyrite, 112,113 suggests that intergrowth (epitaxial growth) of marcasite with pyrite will most likely occur through the formation of m{101}−p{100} or m{010}−p{100} interfaces. The simulated scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images of the {101} and {010} facets are also presented, for comparison with future experiments.…”

Nanocrystalline Pyrite for Photovoltaic Applications

“…Since bulk recombination losses are directly related to volume, and morphology of materials which facilitate the high photovoltages predicted for extremely thin films (≤100 nm) due to confinement of charge carriers in particular direction ,. Various synthetic routes have been developed for nanocrystalline (NC) pyrite …”

Prussian Blue‐Derived Synthesis of Hollow Porous Iron Pyrite Nanoparticles as Platinum‐Free Counter Electrodes for Highly Efficient Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

“…Iron pyrite synthesis could mainly be categorized into groups of wet‐chemical based and sulfurization based . Wet‐chemical routes including hydrothermal, solvothermal, hot‐injection, and heat‐up synthesis have been widely developed for iron pyrite.…”