Synthesis of highly oriented iron sulfide nanowires through solvothermal process

Large-scale productions of highly oriented FeS2−x (x=0.09) nanowires have been achieved by a simple low-cost, low-temperature solvothermal process. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed that the nanowires crystallized with cubic pyrite phase. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation showed bundles of oriented nanowires with very high aspect ratio. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) observation showed the nanowires to be smooth and uniform throughout their length. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and electron diffraction pattern revealed the single-crystalline nature of the nanowires.