One-step synthesis of pure pyrite FeS2 with different morphologies in water

Abstract

In this study, pyrite FeS₂ with novel nanostructures had been obtained via an ethanolamine (ETA)–water binary system. This method provided a uniform and homogenous environment for the nucleation and growth of FeS₂. When only pure water was used as the reaction solvent, marcasite FeS₂ with a hollow sphere structure was achieved, and then transformed into the pyrite phase with a rod-like structure piled up by nanoparticles with the increase of the reaction time. Moreover, cubic, flake-like, and two types of tetrakaidecahedron structures were obtained via the adjustment of the volume ratio of ETA and H₂O. The transformation mechanism from flower-like amorphous to different types of morphologies of pyrite FeS₂ crystals was analyzed through the time-dependent controlled experiments. The Raman spectra of the samples with different morphologies were investigated, which were consistent with the XRD analysis. The studies of optical properties indicate that the morphologies had a great influence on the absorption properties. This study provided a very simple and low cost method to control the morphologies of FeS₂ crystals, which would be of great potential for the synthesis of other metal chalcogenides and lay the foundation for the development of solar cells.