Abstract: A method of preparing a crystalline thin film having a formula MY2 includes (1) preparing an MYx amorphous film by atomic layer deposition on a surface of a substrate, and (2) annealing the amorphous MYx film at 350° C. or more to provide the crystalline MY2 film. The amorphous MYx film is formed from at least one metal M precursor and at least one element Y precursor, wherein x is 1.5 to 3.1, M is tungsten or molybdenum, and Y is sulfur or selenium. Step (1) includes a) introducing a first metal M precursor or element Y precursor into a deposition chamber, b) purging with inert gas, c) introducing a second metal M precursor when the first precursor is element Y, or element Y precursor when the first precursor is metal M, d) purging with inert gas, e) repeating steps a) to d), and f) obtaining the amorphous MYx film.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for cathodes having a metal sulfide thin layer, devices including cathodes, lithium ion batteries including cathodes, methods of making cathodes, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming a chalcogen compound thin film suitable for use in a light-absorption layer of a solar cell. The method includes manufacturing a precursor liquid including an Sn precursor material and an S precursor material, applying the precursor liquid to form a precursor film, and heat-treating the precursor film. The Sn precursor material and the S precursor material are liquid materials. The present invention provides a method of forming a chalcogen compound thin film using a liquid precursor material without a sulfurization process, thereby forming a high-quality SnS thin film at low cost using a process which is suitable for mass production. Further, the light-absorption layer is formed using a process which is suitable for mass production, thus enabling the manufacture of a solar cell including the chalcogen compound thin film at low cost.

Abstract: Disclosed are hydroxyl radial generating devices, comprising: a substrate layer; and a pyrite layer configured to produce hydroxyl radicals. Another aspect relates to a method for producing a hydroxyl radical generating device, comprising: providing a polymeric substrate layer; placing a layer of pyrite on a surface of the polymeric substrate layer to form a multi-layer structure; and applying heat to the multi-layer structure such that at least the surface of the polymeric substrate layer contracts; wherein the layer of pyrite contracts to a lesser extent than the surface of the polymeric substrate layer providing a textured surface comprising the pyrite layer. Also disclosed is a method of analysis, comprising: placing a solution comprising a biological substance on a sample site of a hydroxyl generating device comprising a surface of pyrite; incubating the solution; and analyzing a sample including proteolytic fragments of the biological substance.

Abstract: A method for the reduction of corrosion in a treatment unit acid used for separating hydrogen sulfide from and acid gas stream using an alkaline absorption solution. Ions comprising the S2? and/or HS? ions formed by the absorption of the hydrogen sulfide in the absorbent solution are subjected to in situ electrochemical oxidization to form polysulfide ions which form a protective coating on the surfaces of the unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the phase-controlled synthesis of ternary and quaternary mixed-metal sulfide nanoparticles by reacting soft metal ions with hard metal ions in a high-boiling organic solvent in the presence of a complexing and activating ligands to control the reactivity of the metal ions. Ternary and quaternary mixed metal sulfides nanoparticles of copper, sulfur, and iron, aluminum, tin, and silicon are preferred. This invention also relates to the phase controlled preparation of polymorphs of bornite nanoparticles and the phase controlled preparation of stabilized ?- and ?-chalconite nanoparticles.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for the in situ generation of polysulfide ions in a process stream including S2? and/or HS? ions. Methods and systems are also provided to ameliorate corrosion in a process stream containing an acid gas or a scrubbing agent solvent, and abate mercury and cyanide in process streams containing a scrubbing agent solvent.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for generating mercury (II) sulfide from elemental mercury. Elemental mercury is injected into a heated and sealed reaction vessel containing vaporized sulfur. The elemental mercury reacts with at least a portion of the vaporized sulfur to form the mercury (II) sulfide within the reaction vessel. The formed mercury (II) sulfide is then unloaded from the reaction vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for stabilising liquid mercury using sulfur polymer cement, via mercury sulfide. Said method for stabilising liquid mercury by the production of sulfur polymer cement comprises (a) transformation of the liquid mercury into mercury sulfide (metacinnabar) by a chemical reaction, under stoichiometric conditions, between mercury and elemental sulfur; and (b) production of sulfur polymer cement by incorporating the mercury sulfide produced in the previous step into a stable mixture consisting of aggregates, elemental sulfur and sulfur polymer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the fabrication and manufacture of efficient, low-cost p-n heterojunction pyrite solar cells. The p-n heterojunction pyrite solar cells can include a pyrite thin cell component, a window layer component, and a top surface contact component. The pyrite thin cell component can be fabricated from nanocrystal paint deposited onto metal foils or microcrystalline pyrite deposited onto foil by chemical vapor deposition. A method of synthesizing colloidal pyrite nanocrystals is provided. Methods of manufacturing the efficient, low-cost p-n heterojunction pyrite solar cells are also provided.

Abstract: Process of making high purity, synthetic FeS2, and an electrochemical battery employing such synthetic FeS2 in the positive electrode. Synthetic FeS2 may be prepared by a sulfidation process comprising reacting ferric oxide, hydrogen sulfide, and elemental sulfur at a temperature above the melting point of element sulfur. Synthetic FeS2 may also be produced by a milling process that comprises (i) milling iron powder and sulfur powder in the presence of a milling media and a processing agent to provide a homogenous powder mixture, and (ii) treating the powder mixture to form FeS2. In the milling process, the powder mixture may be treated to form FeS2 by heating the powder mixture or subjecting the powder mixture to a subsequent milling operation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to catalysts and preparation of the catalysts, which are defined by sulfides of a transition metal, such as one of molybdenum, tungsten, and vanadium. Precursors for the catalysts include a metal ion source compound, such as molybdenum trioxide, and a sulfide ion source compound, such as thioacetamide. Once the precursors are dissolved if solid and combined in a mixture, homogenous precipitation from the mixture forms the catalysts. Exemplary uses of the catalysts include packing for a methanation reactor that converts carbon monoxide and hydrogen into methane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction vessel in which hydrogen sulphide is prepared from sulphur and hydrogen, wherein the reaction vessel consists partly or entirely of a material which is resistant to the reaction mixture, its compounds or elements and retains its resistance even at high temperatures.

Abstract: A method for making monodisperse silver nanocrystals includes the following step: (1) mixing a silver nitrate with octadecyl amine as a solvent, and achieving a mixture; (2) agitating and reacting the mixture at a reaction temperature for a reaction period; (3) cooling the mixture to a cooling temperature, and achieving a deposit; and (4) washing the deposit with an organic solvent, drying the deposit at a drying temperature, and achieving monodisperse silver nanocrystals. After step (2), the method can further include a step of mixing a sulfur or selenium into the reactant to achieve monodisperse silver sulfide or silver selenide nanocrystals.

Abstract: Process of making high purity, synthetic FeS2, and an electrochemical battery employing such synthetic FeS2 in the positive electrode. Synthetic FeS2 may be prepared by a sulfidation process comprising reacting ferric oxide, hydrogen sulfide, and elemental sulfur at a temperature above the melting point of element sulfur. Synthetic FeS2 may also be produced by a milling process that comprises (i) milling iron powder and sulfur powder in the presence of a milling media and a processing agent to provide a homogenous powder mixture, and (ii) treating the powder mixture to form FeS2. In the milling process, the powder mixture may be treated to form FeS2 by heating the powder mixture or subjecting the powder mixture to a subsequent milling operation.

Abstract: An approach is provided for generating mercury (II) sulfide from elemental mercury. Elemental mercury is injected into a reaction vessel containing vaporized sulfur. The elemental mercury reacts with at least a portion of the vaporized sulfur to form the mercury (II) sulfide.

Abstract: An approach is provided for generating mercury (II) sulfide from elemental mercury. Elemental mercury is injected into a reaction vessel containing vaporized sulfur. The elemental mercury reacts with at least a portion of the vaporized sulfur to form the mercury (II) sulfide.

Abstract: Described herein are hollow nanocrystals having various shapes that can be produced by a simple chemical process. The hollow nanocrystals described herein may have a shell as thin as 0.5 nm and outside diameters that can be controlled by the process of making.

Abstract: Process of making high purity, synthetic FeS2, and an electrochemical battery employing such synthetic FeS2 in the positive electrode. Synthetic FeS2 may be prepared by a sulfidation process comprising reacting ferric oxide, hydrogen sulfide, and elemental sulfur at a temperature above the melting point of element sulfur. Synthetic FeS2 may also be produced by a milling process that comprises (i) milling iron powder and sulfur powder in the presence of a milling media and a processing agent to provide a homogenous powder mixture, and (ii) treating the powder mixture to form FeS2. In the milling process, the powder mixture may be treated to form FeS2 by heating the powder mixture or subjecting the powder mixture to a subsequent milling operation.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a chalcogenide glass of low optical loss that can be on the order of 30 dB/km or lower, and to a process for preparing the chalcogenide glass.

Abstract: Contact of a crude feed with one or more catalysts produces a total product that includes a crude product. The crude feed has a residue content of at least 0.2 grams of residue per gram of crude feed. Methods of preparing the one or more catalysts are described. The crude product is a liquid mixture at 25° C. and 0.101 MPa. One or more properties of the crude product may be changed by at least 10% relative to the respective properties of the crude feed. The crude product may include hydrocarbons with different boiling point distributions.

Abstract: A method of preparing metal chalcogenides from elemental metal or metal compounds has the following steps: providing at least one elemental metal or metal compound; providing at least one element from periodic table groups 13-15; providing at least one chalcogen; and combining and heating the chalcogen, the group 13-15 element and the metal at sufficient time and temperature to form a metal chalcogenide. A method of functionalizing the surface of semiconducting nanoparticles has the following steps: providing at least one metad compound; providing one chalcogenide having a cation selected from the group 13-15 (B, Al, Ga, In, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, P, As, Sb and Bi); dissolving the chalcogenide in a first solution; dissolving the metal compound in a second solution; providing and dissolving a functional capping agent in at least one of the solutions of the metal compounds and chalcogenide; combining all solutions; and maintaining the combined solution at a proper temperature for an appropriate time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nano sized sulfide compounds of cerium and a process for the preparation thereof. More particularly, the present invention provides novel nano sized particles of cerium sulfide as well as a novel process for the preparation of nano sized sulfide compounds of cerium by the bioreduction of cerium sulfate or cerium acetate, without resorting to chemical methods. A bioprocess is disclosed to treat trivalent Cerium salt with sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) under controlled conditions to obtain a biomass, which is subjected to staggered heating upto a temperature of 600-1500° C. The sulfide of Cerium is finally separated for application in pigment industry.

Abstract: A silver halide emulsion is disclosed, comprising at least one monovalent Au(I) complex coordinated with a compound represented by the following formula (1): R1—Ch—R2??(1) wherein R1 and R2 each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group, R1 and R2 may combine with each other to form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring, and Ch represents a sulfur atom, a selenium atom or a tellurium atom.

Abstract: Arsenic and TOC are removed from drinking water or wastewaters by use of finely-divided metallic iron in the presence of powered elemental sulfur or other sulfur compounds such as manganese sulfide, followed by an oxidation step. A premix may be produced for this process, by adding the iron, sulfur and oxidizing agent to water in a predetermined pH range. The iron and sulfur are mixed for a period of time dependent upon the temperature and pH of the water and the presence of complexing or sequestering minerals and organic acids in the water. An oxidizing agent is added to the mixture and agitating is continued. In a preferred embodiment the oxidizing agent is hydrogen peroxide. Water is decanted from the mixture after a sufficient reaction time, to produce a concentrated premix. This premix can be added to water intended for drinking or to industrial effluents containing toxic materials.

Abstract: Nanotubes of transition metal chalcogenides as long as 0.2-20 microns or more, perfect in shape and of high crystallinity, are synthesized from a transition metal material, e.g. the transition metal itself or a substance comprising a transition metal such as an oxide, water vapor and a H2X gas or H2 gas and X vapor, wherein X is S, Se or Te, by a two-step or three-step method including first producing nanoparticles of the transition metal as long as 0.3 microns, and then annealing in a mild reducing atmosphere of the aforementioned gas or gas mixture. The transition metal chalcogenide is preferably WS2 or WSe2. Tips for scanning probe microscopy can be prepared from said long transition metal chalcogenide nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making manganese sulfide without the need for recycling a significant amount of manganese sulfide back to the reaction chamber. The methods are performed by admixing substantially pure manganese, substantially pure sulfur, and iron pyrite. The manganese and sulfur are then reacted to form manganese sulfide. Iron pyrite regulates the reaction and enables the use of conventional equipment in the methods of the present invention. After the reaction ends, the manganese sulfide product is separated from the unreacted manganese, sulfur, and iron.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making manganese sulfide without the need for recycling a significant amount of manganese sulfide back to the reaction chamber. The methods are performed by admixing substantially pure manganese, substantially pure sulfur, and iron pyrite. The manganese and sulfur are then reacted to form manganese sulfide. Iron pyrite regulates the reaction and enables the use of conventional equipment in the methods of the present invention. After the reaction ends, the manganese sulfide product is separated from the unreacted manganese, sulfur, and iron.

Abstract: A process is provided for the removal of hydrogen sulfide out of a gaseous stream (22), such as a natural gas, by contacting the hydrogen sulfide containing gas with a sorbing liquid (26) containing a tertiary amine so that the hydrogen sulfide is sorbed into the liquid in absorber (11) and transferring the sorbing liquid/hydrogen sulfide mixture to a reactor (15) where the tertiary amine promotes the conversion of the hydrogen sulfide into polysulfide via reaction with sulfur; transferring the polysulfide solution from the reactor (15) to a regenerator (10) where polysulfide is converted into elemental sulfur via reaction with air (9); transferring at least a portion of the solution (25) containing elemental sulfur, as well as sulfate and thiosulfate species, into a mixture (36) where it is contacted with gaseous ammonia which reacts with the sulfate and thiosulfate species to produce ammonium sulfate and ammonium thiosulfate which are removed from the solution while the remaining portion of solution (25) is

Abstract: A process for recovering and purifying vanadium found in petroleum coke is disclosed. Coke containing V and sulfur is charged to a molten metal bath and dissolved to form a molten metal bath with dissolved carbon, dissolved V metal and dissolved sulfur. At least a majority of the dissolved sulfur is released as H2S by maintaining reducing conditions in the bed, by maintaining a high concentration of dissolved carbon or addition of steam or hydrogen rich hydrocarbon such as methane or some combination of these approaches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of SnS2 and comprises reacting SnSO4, tin(II) formate or tin(II) oxalate with sulfur under a standard atmosphere or under protective gas without addition of halide-containing substances.

Abstract: A method for producing an electrochemically advantageous lithium ion-conductive solid electrolyte with high ionic conductivity, low electronic conduction and electrochemical stability is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of synthesizing lithium sulfide by reacting lithium hydroxide with a gaseous sulfur source at a temperature of not less than 130.degree. C. and not more than 445.degree. C., thermally melting plural compounds containing at least silicon sulfide and the synthesized lithium sulfide, and cooling the molten mixture. The silicon sulfide is synthesized by the steps of adding a silicon powder to molten sulfur while stirring to disperse the silicon powder in the molten sulfur and heating the silicon powder-dispersed sulfur in a reaction chamber under reduced pressure.

Abstract: Arsenic and TOC are removed from drinking water or wastewaters by use of finely-divided metallic iron in the presence of powdered elemental sulfur or other sulfur compounds such as manganese sulfide, followed by an oxidation step. A premix may be produced for this process, by adding the iron, sulfur and oxidizing agent to water in a predetermined pH range. The iron and sulfur are mixed for a period of time dependent upon the temperature and pH of the water and the presence of complexing or sequestering minerals and organic acids in the water. An oxidizing agent is added to the mixture and agitating is continued. In a preferred embodiment the oxidizing agent is hydrogen peroxide. Water is decanted from the mixture after a sufficient reaction time, to produce a concentrated premix. This premix can be added to water intended for drinking or to industrial effluents containing toxic materials.

Abstract: Silicon sulfide is manufactured from the fine powder of silicon having a particle size in the range of 60 to 100.mu., covered thoroughly with sulfur at lower temperature less than 700.degree. C. in vacuum. In order to produce the silicon sulfide, silicon should be ground in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to prevent the formation of a silicon oxide layer that remains in the product and degrades the purity of the product. The silicon powder is dispersed sufficiently in the molten sulfur. At this time, the quantity of added sulfur needs more than 1.1 times in comparison with the stoichiometric quantity of silicon sulfide. All surfaces of silicon powder should be covered with sulfur to avoid sintering between silicon particles in the whole process of the reaction.

Abstract: A composition for treating water or flue gases that contains metal ions and possibly also organic and/or inorganic compounds is produced by reacting sulfur with an alkali- and/or alkaline earth metal hydroxide in the presence of water.The inventive composition corresponds to general formula IM.sub.x S.sub.y O.sub.z, (I)where M represents an alkali or alkaline earth metal,x is 1 or 2,y is in the range 0.5x-4.0x, andz is in the range 0.1-2.5.Alkali sulfite salts, particularly sodium salts, may also be added to the compound for reducing H.sub.2 S emission.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for preparing sulfur hexafluoride by reacting sulfur tetrafluoride with oxygen. The sulfur tetrafluoride is prepared by contacting molten sulfur with a metal fluoride to produce sulfur tetrafluoride and a metal sulfide. In a preferred method, the metal fluoride is regenerated from the metal sulfide by reacting the metal sulfide with hydrofluoric acid in the presence of oxygen. The preferred metal fluorides are the fluorides of copper, silver, mercury and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of finely divided metal and/or ceramic powders by reacting appropriate metal compounds and appropriate reagents in the gas phase (CVR) chemical vapor reaction, wherein the metal compound(s) and the further reagents are brought to reaction in the gaseous state in a reactor and are subsequently homogeneously condensed directly out of the gas phase, with exclusion of any wall reaction, and are subsequently separated from the reaction medium.

Abstract: A composition for treating water that contains metal ions and possibly also organic and/or inorganic compounds is produced by reacting sulfur with an alkali- and/or alkaline earth metal hydroxide in the presence of water.The inventive composition corresponds to general formula IM.sub.x S.sub.y O.sub.z, (I)whereM represents an alkali or alkaline earth metal,x is 1 or 2,y is in the range 1.5x-2.5x, andz is in the range 0.1-2.5.

Abstract: Binary rare earth/sulfur or transition metal/sulfur compounds, e.g., the higher sulfides or sesquisulfides of the rare earths, are prepared by confinedly reacting either a rare earth compound, e.g., an oxide, carbonate or hydroxide, or a transition metal oxide, with a carbon compound of sulfur in gaseous state, e.g., CS.sub.2, within a sealed enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of hydrogen sulfide by reacting sulfur and hydrogen which comprises two hydrogenation reactions. The first hydrogenation reaction of the present invention comprises the steps of supplying hydrogen gas in a reactor containing sulfur at least a part of which is in a liquid phase at a temperature of not lower than 250.degree. C., and reacting the liquid sulfur and the hydrogen gas to produce a crude hydrogen sulfide effluent gas in the reactor. The sulfur vapor contained in the effluent gas is further reacted with fleshly added hydrogen gas in the second hydrogenation reaction to further concentrate the resulting hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: High purity synthetic pyrite is produced in a two-step and also in a one-step sulfidation reaction of iron powder. In a two-step process, a hydrogen-annealed iron powder is first reacted with molten sulfur at a temperature of from about 200.degree.-455.degree. C., while subjecting the reaction mass to mixing for a period sufficient to convert the iron powder to pyrrhotite, which is then reacted in a second step with sulfur vapor at a temperature of from about 420.degree.-550.degree. C., while subjecting the reaction mass to mixing for a period sufficient to convert the pyrrhotite to substantially pure pyrite. In a one-step process, iron powder is gradually heated from room temperature to about 550.degree. C. in the presence of sulfur while continuously mixing to prevent sintering and agglomeration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to manufacturing a silver alloy which is blackened throughout its bulk and used, for example, in jewelry. The method of manufacturing this material comprises putting the silver alloy into contact with sulfur in the form of sulfur vapor. The thickness of the wires or foils used in the method lies between about 1/10th of a millimeter and a few millimeters, and the time during which the silver alloy is exposed in the atmosphere of sulfur vapor is calculated as a function of this thickness. The silver alloy blackens due to sulfur/silver diffusion, and according to the present invention the silver alloy is heated to a predetermined temperature in order to optimize this diffusion as well as the microstructure of the resulting material.

Abstract: In a method of preparing sodium monosulfide by means of reacting sodium and sulfur under protective gas, the entire sodium determined for reaction is placed in a receiver in a first stage, preheated to temperatures of 100.degree.-150.degree. C., sulfur is gradually added in the required amount of the material in the receiver under intensive mixing, whereby the temperature of the reaction mixture is maintained at 120.degree.-250.degree. C., and in a second stage the formed initial product is allowed to react under continuation of the mixing at 250.degree.-480.degree. C., until a Na.sub.2 S content of at least 95% by weight has been attained.

Abstract: A method of preparing sodium monosulfide by means of reacting sodium and sulfur under protective gas, wherein sodium monosulfide is placed in a first stage in a receiver in a finely distributed, solid state, the initial material is preheated to 120.degree.-150.degree. C. and sulfur and sodium are alternately added in the required amount ratio under intensive mixing, whereby the temperature of the reation mixture is maintained at 120.degree.-250.degree. C., and in a second stage the formed initial product is allowed to continue to react or postreact under continuation of the mixing at 250.degree.-480.degree. C., until a Na.sub.2 S content of at least 95% by weight has been attained.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of uranium tetrafluoride by reduction of gaseous uranium hexafluoride using: (1) sulphur vapor with a minimum of halogen and/or a halide, chosen from among Cl.sub.2, Br.sub.2, S.sub.2 F.sub.2, SCL.sub.2, S.sub.2 Cl.sub.2, and S.sub.2 Br.sub.2 ; or (2) a minimum of one sulphur halide chosen from among S.sub.2 F.sub.2, SCL.sub.2, S.sub.2 CL.sub.2, and S.sub.2 Br.sub.2. The ratio R of the total number of gram-atoms of sulphur present during the reduction reaction to the number of gram-moles of UF.sub.6 is at least 0.6.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the production of carbon disulfide and hydrogen sulfide from a particulate carbon source. In one embodiment, an oxygen containing gas is reacted with a particulate carbon source in a one step process so as to provide the temperatures necessary for the reaction of the particulate carbon source with sulfur to produce carbon disulfide. In another embodiment, a source of hydrogen is introduced along with the oxygen containing gas and sulfur so as to produce hydrogen sulfide in a single step process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for electroless and vapor deposition of thin films of one, two and/or three semiconducting tin sulfide phases (SnS, Sn.sub.2 S.sub.3, and/or SnS.sub.2) by below-solution electroless plating and/or above-solution self-induced chemical vapor deposition onto both nonconductive and conductive substrates from a chemical bath containing an organic acid, Sn(II) salt, elemental yellow sulfur and water.

Abstract: A method for making a fused compound from a metal and a non-metal and more particularly a method for making a metal sulfide is disclosed. The method is particularly advantageous in making manganese sulfide. An excess of metal and recycled compound are used to control sulfur vaporization and a portion of the product is recycled to control the reaction. Conventional equipment can be used in the method.

Abstract: A method for forming metal chalcogenides is disclosed. An atmosphere of an elemental middle chalcogen is formed and a metal is reacted with the chalcogen in the vapor phase to form a metal chalcogenide powder.

Abstract: Photoactive pyrite layers, whose preparation and use represent a commercially highly interesting alternative to materials hitherto in common use. The semiconductor material chiefly used until now, e.g. for solar cells, is silicon. However, its costs of manufacture are too high to allow solar cells to be made at favorable cost. The significance of the disclosure and development of pyrite as a semiconductor material, especially for solar cells, lies in the fact that it is plentifully occurring and cheap, as well as environmentally compatible. Pyrite (iron pyrites, FeS.sub.2) can be used as a photoactive material in solar cells and in optoelectronic components. It is possible to use both naturally occurring pyrite, after a material treatment to improve the photosensitivity, as well as synthetically produced, single-crystal and polycrystalline pyrite.