Exploratory flux-based synthesis of ternary and quaternary chalcogenidometalates.

摘要

Solid state chemistry has important implications in technology where the creation of new materials with unique structures and electrochemical properties offers the potential for better energy conversion and memory devices. The basis for solid state chemistry is relating the microstructure of a material to its macromolecular physical, chemical, and electronic characteristics. Synthesis can be either targeted or exploratory where exploratory synthesis yields a wealth of new materials with novel properties that contribute to satisfying the modern need for technological multifunctionality.;Recently, tin selenide and tin telluride have been found to be exceedingly thermoelectrically efficient, offering a means for the minimization of waste heat generated in electronics. The layered structure of tin selenide enables the direct conversion of waste heat into electricity and has potential as a greener alternative for energy production. Although these compounds have gained interest due to their thermoelectric efficiency, research into structures which can be synthesized incorporating these complex anions remains limited. In the present research reported, the flux method of crystal synthesis was utilized to produce complex ternary and quaternary chalcogenidometalates containing the complex anions [Sn4Se9]2- and [SnTe 6]4-. The flux synthetic method was chosen due to its propensity to access low temperature phases which are not possible by traditional high temperature solid state methods. Resultant crystal morphologies and atomic compositions were analyzed by SEM-EDS. Most reactions resulted in either polycrystalline samples or twinned structures which could not be easily characterized by x-ray diffraction. Future work includes x-ray diffraction analysis of some selected Fe, Cu, Sn, and Se containing single crystals.