Template-directed synthesis of ordered iron pyrite (FeS2) nanowires and nanotubes arrays

Highly ordered iron pyrite (FeS 2 ) nanowires and nanotubes arrays have been fabricated by using sol–gel method with AAO templates. The prepared nanowires and nanotubes have uniform lengths and 200 nm diameters. Their crystal phase was identified as cubic FeS 2 by using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected-area electron diffraction pattern. The direct optical band gaps of the as-prepared FeS 2 nanowires were 0.98 and 1.23 eV, respectively, indicating their suitability for photovoltaic application.