Abstract
Iron(iii) xanthate single-source precursors [Fe(S2COR)3] (R = methyl, ethyl, isopropyl and 1-propyl) were used to deposit iron sulfide thin films and nanostructures by two simple, efficient and low-cost methods (spin coating and solid state deposition). The single-crystal X-ray structures of the iron(iii) n-propyl xanthate and iron(iii) iso-propyl xanthate have been determined. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) studies of the complexes shows that decomposition of the complexes produces iron sulfide, pyrite or trolite. The crystallinity of iron sulfide thin films and powder samples was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and their morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Highlights
The p-X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of thin lm of [Fe(S2COMe)3] [1] annealed at 300 C exhibited a pure phase hexagonal troilite (FeS) (ESI Fig. S1†) No peaks were observed at a growth temperature below 400 C when precursor [Fe(S2COEt)3] [2] was used
It is clear that as annealing temperature increases that the peaks grow sharper as evidenced by a reduction of the full width at half maximum (FWHM); this generally indicates that the material becomes more microcrystalline according to the Scherrer equation
The X-ray crystal structures of [Fe(S2COiPr)3] [3] and [Fe(S2COnPr)3] [4] have been determined. These four complexes were used for the deposition of iron sul de crystallites
Summary
Iron chalcogenides have attracted considerable attention over the last decade, due to their interesting optical, electrical and magnetic properties.1,2 Iron sul de is the most earth-abundant chalcogenide mineral, and is used in several important applications, including batteries, catalytic processes and biomedical appliances and is a potentially useful material for sustainable and inexpensive photovoltaics applications.3–5 It has many potential advantages over other materials, including its low cost, high abundance, negligible toxicity and unique magnetic, electric and optical properties.6–9 Iron sul de crystallises in many different phases; these include pyrite (cubic FeS2), marcasite (orthorhombic FeS2), mackinawite (Fe1+xS), troilite (FeS), pyrrhotite (Fe1ÀxS), greigite (cubic spinel Fe3S4) and smythite (Fe3+xS4).10–12 The optical, magnetic and electrical properties of iron sul des vary according to the stoichiometric ratio between the iron and sulfur atoms.13 Of these compounds, cubic pyrite (FeS2) is of interest for its potential use as an absorber material in photovoltaic and photo-electrochemical applications because of its suitable band gap (0.80–0.95 eV) and high absorption coefficient ($105 MÀ1 cmÀ1) extending over the visible energy range.14–18 The favoured phases for Li-ion batteries are suggested to be troilite (FeS) and pyrrhotite (Fe1ÀxS). These complexes have been used for the deposition of iron sul de, troilite (FeS) and pyrrhotite (Fe1ÀxS) nanostructured materials, using a simple, cheap and low temperature synthesis methods – spin coating and solventless pyrolysis.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
