A solvothermal synthesis of ultra-fine iron phosphide

Abstract Powder iron phosphide (FeP) has been prepared via a benzene-thermal synthesis with the reaction of anhydrous iron chloride (FeCl 3 ) and sodium phosphide (Na 3 P) at 180–190°C. The product was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the results show the mole ratio of Fe:P is 1.12. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern can be indexed to the orthorhombic cell of FeP with the lattice constant a =5.191, b =3.101, and c =5.789 A. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images indicate that average particle size is about 200 nm in diameter.