The effect of surfactant on structural properties of FeS2 nanoparticles

The Polyol chemical synthesis method being a simple and economic method for preparation of nanoparticles (NP) was used to prepare Iron Pyrite (FeS2) NP with surfactant octylamine and precursor Thiourea. The crystalline quality and stoichiometry of these NPs were confirmed by X-ray diffraction and Raman Spectroscopy, which gave an average crystallite size of ∼30 nm. The sharp well-defined nature of the peaks indicated good crystallinity of the samples. The Rietveld refinement of the diffraction data revealed the lattice parameters, hkl values, phase, Profile Factor etc. of FeS2 NP. The elemental composition was determined using Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, where characteristic emission peaks of Fe and S elements without other chemical impurities were observed. Further, Raman Spectroscopy provided information on chemical bonding and symmetry of molecules in these surfactant coated FeS2 NP. The strain introduced in these NP during synthesis is also discussed.