Nanosized chromium disilicide (CrSi2) powder was prepared by the are plasma
method and a subsequent purification process. The as-prepared CrSi2 powder
was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron mi
croscopy. The crystal structure of the powder was also confirmed with infra
red spectroscopy. The thermal stability of powders were investigated from r
oom temperature to 1000 degrees C in air and in a helium atmosphere, indica
ting that even in the nanosize region this disilicide powder was stable up
to 720 degrees C in air. Analysis of its photovoltage spectra shows that th
ere exist two direct interband transitions in nanosized CrSi2 grains at 0.7
82 and 1.148 eV, respectively. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights re
served.