Synthesis and Optoelectronic Properties of Two-Dimensional FeS2 Nanoplates

There is a growing interest in the earth abundant and nontoxic iron disulfide (FeS2) photovoltaic materials. Here, we report the synthesis of FeS2 nanoplates with different spectral features which we have associated with thicknesses and crystallization. The structure and crystalline order of ultrathin FeS2 nanoplates have a strong influence on the carrier lifetime, electronic and optical properties. We demonstrate that two-dimensional FeS2 nanoplates show great promise for fabrication of hybrid bulk heterojunction solar cells. This opens up a host of applications of these materials as inexpensive solar cells and photocatalysts.