Formation of FeS₂ Quantum Dot Semiconductor Using Electro Spray Method

Abstract

Iron Pyrite (FeS₂), which has received much attention as an earth abundant semiconductor material, has relatively low bandgap of 0.95 eV. Downsizing to present quantum confinement effect enables us to increase the bandgap. This report proposed the electro-spray deposition (ESD) method to downsize the nanoparticle (NP) of FeS₂. It is found that the fabricated FeS₂ contained Marcasite which is impurity phase of FeS₂. The TEM observation revealed the NPs of 5-nm diameter were produced by the ESD method. We suggested that the NPs were produced via Rayleigh fission since the distribution of NP’s diameter were scattered, resulting in poor fitting with logarithmic normal distribution.