High Responsivity Photoconductors Based on Iron Pyrite Nanowires Using Sulfurization of Anodized Iron Oxide Nanotubes

摘要

Iron pyrite (FeS_2) nanostructures are of considerable interest for photovoltaic applications due to improved material quality compared to their bulk counterpart. As an abundant and nontoxic semiconductor, FeS_2 nanomaterials offer great opportunities for low-cost and green photovoltaic technology. This paper describes the fabrication of FeS_2 nanowire arrays via sulfurization of iron oxide nanotubes at relatively low temperatures. A facile synthesis of ordered iron oxide nanotubes was achieved through anodization of iron foils. Characterization of the iron sulfide nanowires indicates that pyrite structures were formed. A prototype FeS_2 nanowire photoconductor demonstrates very high responsivity (>3.0 A/W). The presented method can be further explored to fabricate various FeS_2 nanostructures, such as nanoparticles, nanoflowers, and nanoplates.