HF-assisted one-step synthesis of pompon-like/chip-like FeSe2 particles and their superamphiphobic/antireflective property

Abstract

Hydrofluoric acid (HF)-assisted one-step synthesis of pompon-like/chip-like FeSe₂ particles by a solvothermal method has been studied for the first time in this paper. By adjusting the dosage of HF used, FeSe₂ particles with pompon-like and chip-like morphologies were obtained. The reaction mechanism was presented based on the experimental phenomena, and the roles played by HF in the synthesis were clearly explained, proving that HF had a significant influence on controlling the morphologies of the FeSe₂ particles. By altering the iron sources without changing any other conditions (similar experimental results were observed). We further demonstrated that this method was universally applicable. The wettability and light-trapping effects of the pompon-like/chip-like particles were also investigated, respectively. After modification with heptadecafluorodecyltrimethoxy-silane (HTMS), the pompon-like particles exhibited excellent superhydrophobic/superoleophobic (superamphiphobic) properties with water/oil contact angle of about 156.0°/154.6° and water/oil sliding angle of about 2.0°/5.0°. Ultralow reflectance of the samples (lower than 3%) in the entire wavelength range of 300–1800 nm was also observed in our experiments. Utilizing HF to control the morphologies of FeSe₂ particles is an innovative attempt and is expected to show promising potential in controlling the morphologies of other transition metal chalcogenides.