Synthesis and characterization of Fe3P composite nanorods produced by phosphate reduction in anodized alumina templates

A synthetic method for nanoscale iron phosphide rod production based on reductive annealing of iron phosphate deposited in porous alumina membranes has been explored. Two methods of pore filling, incipient wetness and drip-drying of precursor phosphate particles, were investigated. Reduction was carried out in a flowing H2/Ar atmosphere at 650–800 °C for 2 h and the template was removed by dissolution in NaOH. Particle morphology, composition and phase were examined by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The data suggest that rods are formed as heterogeneous structures comprising Fe3P nanoparticles within an amorphous matrix.