Synthesis and Photocatalytic Properties of Iron Disilicide/SiC Composite Powder

ABSTRACTSemiconducting iron disilicide (β-FeSi2) island grains of 50-100 nanometers in size were formed on the surface of Au-coated 3C-SiC powder by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. On the surface of 3C-SiC powder, the Au-Si liquidus phase was obtained via a Au-Si eutectic reaction, which contributed to the formation of the β-FeSi2 island grains. This β-FeSi2/SiC composite powder could evolve hydrogen (H2) from methyl-alcohol aqueous solution under irradiation of visible light with wavelengths of 420-650 nm.