Solvothermal syntheses of Cu3P via reactions of amorphous red phosphorus with a variety of copper sources

Polycrystalline Cu3P was successfully prepared under a wide variety of solvothermal conditions. The reaction of red phosphorus with several copper sources (copper metal, copper (I) iodide, copper (I) chloride and copper (II) chloride) at 150–200 °C for 1–2 days in water produced Cu3P. Products were examined with powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Thermal analyses and optical spectroscopy were also performed. A detailed list of reaction conditions, products and impurity phases (where applicable) are reported.