Thin Pyrite Films Prepared by Sulphurization of Electrodeposited Iron Films

Abstract

Electrochemistry J Elementary Reactions J Endotaxy J Heteroepitaxy J Semiconductors J Spectroscopy, Photoelectron 1 Spectroscopy, X-ray J Thin Film Growth A simple procedure for the production of pyrite (FeS2) thin films starting from the pure elements is presented. A pure, highly (1 10) oriented polycrystalline iron precursor layer could be successfully electrodeposited. Direct sulphurization of those films on Mo foils resulted in pyrite with (200) oriented grains embedded in a randomly oriented matrix. No other iron sulphide phase like e.g. marcasite was observed. XPS shows the presence of at least 97% FeS2. Depth profiles demonstrate the stoichiometric homogeneity across the films.

Majority Carrier Type Control of Cobalt Iron Sulfide (CoxFe1–xS2) Pyrite Nanocrystals

“…These defects have so far prevented the application of FeS 2 as a photovoltaic absorber material. Iron and iron cobalt pyrites have been prepared by many methods, including chemical vapor deposition/transport (CVD/CVT), − and sulfurization of iron or iron–cobalt films deposited by electrodeposition, thermal evaporation, , sputtering, and pulsed laser deposition . In light of the tendency for nominally stoichiometric FeS 2 pyrite films to form as sulfur-poor samples with Fe/S ratios >0.5, even direct preparation of iron pyrite has typically required a thermal sulfurization step to achieve near-stoichiometric composition and optimal pyrite phase purity.…”

Hydrothermal synthesis and crystal structure of pyrite

“…In addition, pyrite is composed of nontoxic elements that are very abundant, cheap and that are prerequisites for large-scale production of thin film solar cells [4]. Traditionally, pyrite was synthesized by thermal sulfuration of iron [5,6]. Iron films were isothermally annealed in H 2 S or S atmosphere at high temperature.…”

Low temperature synthesis of iron pyrite nanorods for photovoltaic applications

“…Among several synthesis methods of FeS 2 nanoparticles reported so far via, hydrothermal synthesis [11,12], sulfurisation of ferrous films [13], solvothermal method [14], electrochemical method [15][16][17], solid state reaction [18], the hydrothermal method is widely appreciated owing to the capability to produce FeS 2 crystals of different sizes and shapes [19]. However, one-dimensional nano architectures like nanorods (NRs), have received enormous attention in recent years due to the attractive properties like broad scattering over a wide range of wavelength, increased surface area, low recombination losses, etc.…”