Direct gas-phase synthesis of single-phase [beta]-FeSi^sub 2^ nanoparticles

For the first time, phase-pure [beta]-FeSi^sub 2^ nanoparticles were successfully produced by gas-phase synthesis. We present a method to fabricate larger quantities of semiconducting [beta]-FeSi^sub 2^ nanoparticles, with crystallite sizes between 10 and 30 nm, for solar and thermoelectric applications utilizing a hot-wall reactor. A general outline for the production of those particles by thermal decomposition of silane and iron pentacarbonyl is provided based on kinetic data. The synthesized particles are investigated by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, providing evidence that the as-prepared materials are indeed [beta]-FeSi^sub 2^, while revealing morphological characteristics inherent to the nanoparticles created.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]