The structure and formation mechanism of FeS2/Fe3S4/S8 nanocomposite synthesized using spherical shaped Fe3O4 nanoparticles as the precursor

Abstract Synthesis of a nanocomposite containing iron sulfides and sulfur was carried out in ethylene glycol. Spherical-shaped Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were used as the precursor. The structure of the FeS 2 /Fe 3 S 4 /S 8 nanocomposite, as well as the mechanism of formation, are described with X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Strong interaction between sulfur and oxygen was confirmed. Formation of the FeS 2 /Fe 3 S 4 /S 8 nanocomposite was associated with the reaction between Fe 3 O 4 and H 2 S, and the reaction between greigite and H 2 S produced by the decomposition of thioacetamide. Highly crystalline pyrite was formed in these reactions, while the sulfur and greigite appearing on the edges formed a highly disordered structure.