A solvothermal synthesis of ultra-fine iron phosphide

Powder iron phosphide (FeP) has been prepared via a benzene-thermal synthesis with the reaction of anhydrous iron chloride (FeCl3) and sodium phosphide (Na3P) 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 Å. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images indicate that average particle size is about 200 nm in diameter.