title: A general methodology for the synthesis of transition metal pnictide nanoparticles from pnictate precursors and its application to iron-phosphorus phases.
abstract: Nanoparticles of iron phosphide have been prepared through a new strategy involving the reductive annealing of nanoparticulate iron phosphate precursors cast onto atomically flat mica surfaces. This route appears to be general for a range of transition metals and pnicogens and avoids the use of highly toxic and pyrophoric agents such as Pn(SiMe3)3 (Pn = P, As), which are commonly employed in the synthesis of pnictide nanoparticles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, 5101 Cass Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA.
authors.forename: Kimber L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Stamm
authors.forename: Jayne C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Garno
authors.forename: Gang-yu
authors.initials: GY
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Stephanie L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Brock