Microwave-assisted synthesis of pyrite FeS2 microspheres with strong absorption performance

Pyrite FeS2 microspheres with an average size of approximately 1.1 mu m were successfully synthesised in high yield via a facile and efficient microwave-assisted method. X-ray diffraction patterns and high-resolution transmission electron micrographs showed that the microspheres had a pure single crystalline phase. Scanning electron micrographs and transmission electron micrographs illustrated that the microspheres were uniform and well-distributed. The absorption spectra of the as-obtained microspheres showed that pyrite exhibited high absorbance in the visible region. The surfactants influenced the phase, morphology and absorption property of the products. Long reaction time allowed the formation of uniform pyrite FeS2 microspheres with smooth surfaces. The microwave-assisted method yielded products with better morphology and absorption properties than the high-pressure solvothermal method.