Composition and size tailored synthesis of iron selenide nanoflakes?

CrystEngComm Pub Date: 2010-08-16 DOI: 10.1039/C005097K

Abstract

Regular square FeSex nanoflakes with tetragonal PbO-type phase and selenium deficiency have been grown from an inorganic iron source, i.e. ferrous chloride and selenium trioctylphosphine through a simple solution-based route in the co-solvent of oleylamine and oleic acid. The phase and structure are identified by powder X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. The square nanoflakes are revealed to be bound by two larger {001} planes and four equivalent smaller {100} side surfaces. The appearance of the larger {001} planes and flaky morphology inherently results from the greatest atom density on {001} lattice planes and the largest d001 spacing. The addition of the organic acid, i.e. oleic acid, at a proper stage during heating of the starting materials, is of great importance to the yield of the tetragonal PbO-type phase. Interestingly, the chemical composition and the edge length of the single crystalline FeSex nanoflakes can be tailored readily by using an organic diol which is suggested to serve as a reducing agent and chemical ligand. Thus, the deficiency of selenium can be highly reduced and the top-bottom surface area be enlarged.

Graphical abstract: Composition and size tailored synthesis of iron selenide nanoflakes
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