Symmetry-Defying Iron Pyrite (FeS2) Nanocrystals through Oriented Attachment

Gong, Maogang; Kirkeminde, Alec; Ren, Shenqiang

doi:10.1038/srep02092

Symmetry-Defying Iron Pyrite (FeS2) Nanocrystals through Oriented Attachment

Journal Article · Fri Jun 28 00:00:00 EDT 2013 · Scientific Reports

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/srep02092· OSTI ID:1624628

Gong, Maogang ^[1]; Kirkeminde, Alec ^[2]; Ren, Shenqiang ^[2]

Univ. of Kansas, Lawrence, KS (United States). Dept. of Chemistry; DOE/OSTI
Univ. of Kansas, Lawrence, KS (United States). Dept. of Chemistry

Iron pyrite (fool’s gold, FeS2) is a promising earth abundant and environmentally benign semiconductor material that shows promise as a strong and broad absorber for photovoltaics and high energy density cathode material for batteries. However, controlling FeS2 nanocrystal formation (composition, size, shape, stoichiometry, etc.) and defect mitigation still remains a challenge. These problems represent significant limitations in the ability to control electrical, optical and electrochemical properties to exploit pyrite’s full potential for sustainable energy applications. Here, we report a symmetry-defying oriented attachment FeS2 nanocrystal growth by examining the nanostructure evolution and recrystallization to uncover how the shape, size and defects of FeS2 nanocrystals changes during growth. It is demonstrated that a well-controlled reaction temperature and annealing time results in polycrystal-to-monocrystal formation and defect annihilation, which correlates with the performance of photoresponse devices. This knowledge opens up a new tactic to address pyrite’s known defect problems.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Univ. of Maryland, College Park, MD (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0005448

OSTI ID:: 1624628

Journal Information:: Scientific Reports, Journal Name: Scientific Reports Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 3; ISSN 2045-2322

Publisher:: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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