Structural and multifunctional properties of magnetron-sputtered Fe–P(–Mn) thin films

Structural and magnetic properties of magnetron-sputtered Fe–P(–Mn) thin films with compositions around the Fe2P single phase region are reported, revealing the compositional range of the Fe2P-type structure and the change of the magnetic properties within this composition spread. The structural analysis shows that in order to obtain crystalline Fe–P phases the P content must be higher than (Fe0.97Mn0.03)2.33P. A maximum phase fraction of the Fe2P-type structure is obtained in the examined (Fe0.97Mn0.03)1.78P sample. The hysteresis loops for the Fe2P(–Mn) thin films show a two-step magnetic reversal with one part belonging to an amorphous phase fraction and the other to the Fe2P(–Mn) phase. A maximum coercivity of 0.36 T was measured for the Fe2P(–Mn) phase fraction also at the composition of (Fe0.97Mn0.03)1.78P. Furthermore, electrochemical properties of FeP2(–Mn) thin films as hydrogen evolution catalysts (HER) are studied. FeP2(–Mn) shows a HER onset potential about 200 mV lower than that of Pt. Chronoamperometric testing at − 11.5 mA/cm2 for over 3500 s revealed no obvious decay in current density, suggesting good stability under typical working conditions in a photoelectrochemical device.