A general methodology for the synthesis of transition metal pnictide nanoparticles from pnictate precursors and its application to iron-phosphorus phases.

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.