With the ever present need for renewable resources, solar photovoltaics stand as an underutilized option. A growing number of materials are being explored to tap this potential resource (CdTe, CIGS); however, photovoltaic materials composed of earth-abundant elements could lower production costs and provide equivalent energy harvesting despite potentially lower conversion efficiencies. Iron pyrite (FeS<sub>2</sub>) has been cited perennially since the 1980's as a valuable photovoltaic material due to its optical and electronic properties, including a high absorption coefficient and an applicable band gap. However, tested efficiencies have never eclipsed more than 3% for iron pyrite, and most investigations indicate the deteriorated efficiencies are linked to surface defects causing trapped states and the presence of an inversion layer at the surface. In order to improve a desired material's properties, understanding the structure is essential. In addition, the synthesis of iron pyrite nanoparticles has been chosen to isolate the surface properties of the material. Synthesis followed by synchrotron and neutron diffraction of iron pyrite nanoparticles will be presented to provide structural insight into iron pyrite's photovoltaic ability.

Structural studies of solution-grown iron pyrite (FeS<sub>2</sub>) nanoparticles via synchrotron and neutron diffraction

249th National Meeting (2015)

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Structural studies of solution-grown iron pyrite (FeS2) nanoparticles via synchrotron and neutron diffraction

Structural studies of solution-grown iron pyrite (FeS₂) nanoparticles via synchrotron and neutron diffraction