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An in situ phosphorus source for the synthesis of Cu3P and the subsequent conversion to Cu3PS4 nanoparticle clusters

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 November 2015

Erik J. Sheets ,
Wei-Chang Yang ,
Robert B. Balow ,
Yunjie Wang ,
Bryce C. Walker ,
Eric A. Stach  and
Rakesh Agrawal
Erik J. Sheets
Affiliation:
School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
Wei-Chang Yang
Affiliation:
School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
Robert B. Balow
Affiliation:
Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
Yunjie Wang
Affiliation:
School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
Bryce C. Walker
Affiliation:
School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
Eric A. Stach
Affiliation:
Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA
Rakesh Agrawal*
Affiliation:
School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
*
a) Address all correspondence to this author. e-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

The search for alternative earth abundant semiconducting nanocrystals for sustainable energy applications has brought forth the need for nanoscale syntheses beyond bulk synthesis routes. Of particular interest are metal phosphides and derivative I–V–VI chalcogenides including copper phosphide (Cu3P) and copper thiophosphate (Cu3PS4). Herein, we report a one-pot, solution-based synthesis of Cu3P nanocrystals utilizing an in situ phosphorus source: phosphorus pentasulfide (P2S5) in trioctylphosphine. By injecting this phosphorus source into a copper solution in oleylamine, uniform and size controlled Cu3P nanocrystals with a phosphorous-rich surface are synthesized. The subsequent reaction of the Cu3P nanocrystals with decomposing thiourea forms nanoscale Cu3PS4 particles having p-type conductivity and an effective optical band gap of 2.36 eV. The synthesized Cu3PS4 produces a cathodic photocurrent during photoelectrochemical measurements, demonstrating its application as a light-absorbing material. Our process creates opportunities to explore other solution-based metal-phosphorus systems and their subsequent sulfurization for earth abundant, alternative energy materials.

Keywords

nanoscalechemical synthesisP
Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Materials Research , Volume 30 , Issue 23 , 14 December 2015 , pp. 3710 - 3716
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2015 

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