From 2D nanoflats to 2D nanowire networks:: A novel hyposulfite self-decomposition route to semiconductor FeS2 nanowebs

A novel strategy has been put forward to prepare two-dimensional (2D) sulfide nanowebs using a simple hyposulfite self-decomposition route. As an example, semiconductor FeS2 monocrystalline 2D nanowebs were prepared, in which we demonstrate that complex geometrical objects of micro- and nanoscales can be prepared by a simple and template-free solution route. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) examinations show that our strategy is reasonable and successful. The band gap of FeS2 nanowires was determined to be 5.64 eV by UV-vis absorption spectrum, showing its promising application for the reversible conversion between solar energy and electrical or chemical energy. This designed method can be easily controlled and has been extended to fabricate 3D FeS2 nanowire networks.