Pyrite (FeS2) films prepared via sol–gel hydrothermal method combined with electrophoretic deposition (EPD)

Pyrite FeS2 powder was initially synthesized using sol–gel hydrothermal method by the reaction of S and the colloid precursor formed from FeSO4·7H2O and thiourea fluxes. We present some results on the influence of reactants, reaction temperature and time, and the quantity of S on the formation of single-phase pyrite FeS2 powder. Then EPD technique was applied to the deposited as-prepared pyrite powder. Crystal structure, optical and electrical property measurements for the pyrite films prepared in this way were carried out and some special results have been obtained.