A simple, convenient, mild solvothermal route to nanocrystalline Cu3P and Ni2P
Abstract Sheet-like nanocrystalline Cu 3 P and spherical nanocrystalline Ni 2 P with hexagonal phases were successfully obtained under mild solvothermal conditions based on the reactions of CuCl 2 ·2H 2 O, NiCl 2 ·6H 2 O with elemental phosphorus in ammonia liquor systems. The phase, grain size, morphology and purity were determined by XRD, TEM and XPS, respectively. The ammonia system and active yellow phosphorus played important roles in the formation of nanocrystalline Cu 3 P and Ni 2 P. A possible mechanism is proposed.