Fe3(Po4)3
The compound Fe3(PO4)3 is composed of three iron cations (Fe3+) and three phosphate anions (PO43-). The iron cations have a +3 charge while the phosphate anions have a -3 charge, resulting in a neutral compound.
Fe3(PO4)3 has a crystal structure that belongs to the trigonal system, with each iron atom bonded to six oxygen atoms from surrounding phosphate groups, forming octahedral coordination. The phosphate groups are also connected by sharing oxygen atoms, creating a three-dimensional network.
Fe3(PO4)3 is insoluble in water and acidic solutions, but can dissolve in strong bases. It can be synthesized through various methods, including precipitation reactions involving iron and phosphate salts or hydrothermal synthesis.
In terms of its applications, Fe3(PO4)3 has been studied as a potential material for lithium-ion battery cathodes, as well as for the removal of heavy metal ions from polluted water.