The Sn2Sb6Se11–Bi2Se3 section of the Sb2Se3–SnSe–Bi2Se3 quasi-ternary system

Abstract

For the first time, the Sn₂Sb₆Se₁₁–Bi₂Se₃ section of the Sb₂Se₃–SnSe–Bi₂Se₃ quasi-ternary system was studied by integrated physicochemical analysis methods (by differential thermal, X-ray powder diffraction, and microstructural analyses and by microhardness and density measurements) over a wide concentration range, and the state diagram of this section was constructed. It was determined that the section is of the eutectic type, and the coordinates of the eutectic point are (25 mol % Bi₂Se₃, 700 K). Regions of solid solutions based on the initial components on both sides of the section were identified. At room temperature, the solubility on the side of Sn₂Sb₆Se₁₁ reaches 8 mol % Bi₂Se₃, and the solubility on the side of Bi₂Se₃ attains 10 mol % Sn₂Sb₆Se₁₁. The physical properties of alloys in the regions of solid solutions were investigated. These alloys were found to be p-type semiconductors.