A simple mild hydrothermal route for the synthesis of nickel phosphide powders

Nickel phosphide was synthesized via a hydrothermal reaction between nickel chloride (NiCl2·6H2O) and red phosphor (P) in water at 200 °C. Phase constitution, morphology and composition were determined by XRD, SEM and EDS, respectively. The effect on the final products of experimental conditions such as the molar ratio of red phosphor to nickel chloride and reaction time were discussed, as well as the formation mechanism of nickel phosphides.