Fe3P

iron phosphide · schreibersite

Fe3P is a metallic, thermodynamically stable iron phosphide used primarily as a catalyst in chemical and electrochemical processes.

Crystal structure of Fe3P
Ground-state structure · Materials Project
Overview

About iron phosphide

Fe3P is a metallic iron phosphide that exists as a thermodynamically stable phase on the convex hull. Its robust structural integrity and electronic properties make it a subject of significant interest in materials science, particularly for researchers investigating efficient catalytic pathways.

As a member of the transition-metal phosphide family, this compound is valued for its ability to facilitate complex chemical reactions. Its metallic nature allows for excellent charge transfer, which is essential for its role in industrial and electrochemical catalysis.

At a glance

Key Properties

Cross-validated computational properties for iron phosphide, aggregated across 4 databases.

Band Gap

Metallic / not reported

Energy Above Hull

0.000 eV/atom
Best (lowest) across sources

Stability

On hull (stable)
3 DFT sources

Structures

22
4 databases, 7 space groups
Synthesis

Synthesis Routes

Literature-extracted synthesis procedures targeting Fe3P.

Sol Gel
Procedure available · ceder_sol_gel
Sol Gel
Procedure available · ceder_sol_gel
Sol Gel
Procedure available · ceder_sol_gel
Solid State
Procedure available · ceder_solid_state
Solid State
Procedure available · ceder_solid_state
Solid State
Procedure available · ceder_solid_state
Uses

Applications

Where iron phosphide is used.

electrocatalysishydrogen evolution reactionindustrial chemical synthesis
Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about iron phosphide, answered from cross-validated data.

What is Fe3P?

Fe3P is a metallic, thermodynamically stable iron phosphide used primarily as a catalyst in chemical and electrochemical processes.

More questions
What is Fe3P used for?
iron phosphide (Fe3P) is used in electrocatalysis, hydrogen evolution reaction, and industrial chemical synthesis.
What is the band gap of Fe3P?
iron phosphide (Fe3P) is computed to be metallic (no band gap) in the reported DFT structures.
Is Fe3P a metal, semiconductor, or insulator?
Computed band structures report no gap, so it is metallic.
Is Fe3P thermodynamically stable?
Yes — iron phosphide (Fe3P) sits on the convex hull (energy above hull 0 eV/atom), i.e. on hull (stable).
How many polymorphs of Fe3P are known?
22 structures of Fe3P are reported across 4 databases, spanning 7 distinct space groups.
How is Fe3P synthesized?
Literature-reported routes for Fe3P include sol gel, solid state (10 procedures documented).
What elements does Fe3P contain?
iron phosphide (Fe3P) contains Fe and P (2 elements).
Where does the data for Fe3P come from?
Fe3P data is cross-referenced from latticegraph.
Comparison

How It Compares

Within the transition-metal phosphide catalysts class.

Within the diverse family of transition-metal phosphides, Fe3P stands out for its high thermodynamic stability compared to more complex or phosphorus-rich phases like FeP2 or CoP2. While many phosphides in this class are explored for their specific stoichiometry-dependent activity, Fe3P is recognized as a fundamental building block in the study of iron-based catalysts.

Explore

Related Compounds

Other Transition-Metal Phosphide Catalysts in the database.

Data sources & attribution
  • latticegraph — Lattice Graph Materials Intelligence Platform

Analyze Fe3P in the Lattice Graph platform

Polymorph comparison, confidence scoring, supply-chain risk, and patent monitoring — across 53 integrated data sources.

Explore the Platform →