Synthesis and Optoelectronic Properties of Two-Dimensional FeS₂ Nanoplates

There is a growing interest in the earth abundant and nontoxic iron disulfide (FeS(2)) photovoltaic materials. Here, we report the synthesis of FeS(2) nanoplates with different spectral features which we have associated with thicknesses and crystallization. The structure and crystalline order of ultrathin FeS(2) nanoplates have a strong influence on the carrier lifetime, electronic and optical properties. We demonstrate that two-dimensional FeS(2) 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.