Infrared Reflection–Absorption Spectroscopy of an Isotropic Adsorbate Layer on Pyrite

Abstract

Infrared reflection−absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) was used to investigate a thin alkane-thiol overlayer on pyrite, and the experimental IRRAS results were compared to calculated spectra. The work was motivated by the importance of understanding the surface chemistry of pyrite single crystals because surface chemistry has previously been linked to solar-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency through both computational and experimental efforts. Angle-dependent IRRAS studies together with computational efforts showed a dependence of absorption strength on the angle of the incident light and showed that the combination of angle-dependent studies and computational efforts are a powerful tool for studying thin overlayers on pyrite.

Nanocrystalline Pyrite for Photovoltaic Applications

“…Electrochemical, photoelectrochemical, optoelectronic and/ or spin properties of pyrite can be modified by alloying (substitutional doping) or by constructing FeS 2 hybrid structures (composites). Obviously phase purity, stoichiometry and surface and interface chemistry of pyrite are of main concerns …”

Seeded preparation of ultrathin FeS2nanosheets from Fe3O4nanoparticles

“…According to a previous study, small FeS 2 nuclei exhibit five distinct absorption peaks because of the defect-induced quantum confinement effect, 24 whereas Fe 3 O 4 NPs and FeS 2 nanosheets do not possess obvious absorption peaks. 26,28 Such differences can be applied to monitor the evolution of FeS 2 from Fe 3 O 4 . Judging from the spectra, it can be evaluated that the initial Fe 3 O 4 NPs transfer into FeS 2 nuclei within 5 min after the injection of the S solution, while FeS 2 nanosheets form after a further 55 min of annealing at 200 °C.…”