25th Anniversary Article: Exploring Nanoscaled Matter from Speciation to Phase Diagrams: Metal Phosphide Nanoparticles as a Case of Study. (9th December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carenco, Sophie; Portehault, David; Boissière, Cédric; Mézailles, Nicolas; Sanchez, Clément
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials. Volume 26:Number 3(2014)
• Page Start: 371
• Page End: 390
• Publication Date: 2013-12-09
• Subjects: nanoscale -- metal phosphide -- speciation -- phase diagrams -- surface energy; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.201303198
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0935-9648

Abstract

Abstract : The notions of nanoscale "phase speciation" and "phase diagram" are defined and discussed in terms of kinetic and thermodynamic controls, based on the case of metal phosphide nanoparticles. After an overview of the most successful synthetic routes for these exotic nanomaterials, the cases of InP, Ni2 P, Ni12 P5 and Pd x P y are discussed in detail to highlight the relationship between composition, structure, and size at the nanoscale. The influence of morphology is discussed next by comparing the behavior of Cu3 P nanophases with those of Ni x P y, FeP/Fe2 P, and CoP/Co2 P. Perspectives provide the reader with methodological guidelines for further investigation of nanoscale "phase diagrams", and their use for optimized synthesis of new functional nanomaterials. Abstract : Consequences of nanoscaling on phase speciations and the determination of phase diagrams are discussed, using metal phosphide nanoparticles as a case of study. They can indeed be prepared via a range of solution routes, with a tailored composition and morphology. This provides a ground for rich comparisons in terms of relative stability of the phases and morphologies. Altogether, the discussion proposed in this review fuels the quest for in‐depth understanding of thermodynamics and kinetics of nanoscaled condensed matter.