Synthesis, crystal structure and electrical properties of the tetrahedral quaternary chalcogenides CuM{sub 2}InTe{sub 4} (M=Zn, Cd)

Journal Article · Sat Oct 15 00:00:00 EDT 2016 · Journal of Solid State Chemistry

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JSSC.2016.03.038· OSTI ID:22658056

Hassan, M. Shafiq; Dong, Yongkwan ^[1]; Martin, Joshua ^[2]

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1. Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620 (United States)
2. Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, MD 20899 (United States)

Quaternary chalcogenides form a large class of materials that continue to be of interest for energy-related applications. Certain compositions have recently been identified as possessing good thermoelectric properties however these materials typically have the kesterite structure type with limited variation in composition. In this study we report on the structural, optical and electrical properties of the quaternary chalcogenides CuZn{sub 2}InTe{sub 4} and CuCd{sub 2}InTe{sub 4} which crystallize in the modified zinc-blende crystal structure, and compare their properties with that of CuZn{sub 2}InSe{sub 4}. These p-type semiconductors have direct band gaps of about 1 eV resulting in relatively high Seebeck coefficient and resistivity values. This work expands on the research into quaternary chalcogenides with new compositions and structure types in order to further the fundamental investigation of multinary chalcogenides for potential thermoelectrics applications. - Graphical abstract: The structural, optical and electrical properties of the quaternary chalcogenides CuZn{sub 2}InTe{sub 4} and CuCd{sub 2}InTe{sub 4} are reported for the first time. The unique crystal structure allows for relatively good electrical transports and therefore potential for thermoelectric applications. - Highlights: • The physical properties of CuZn{sub 2}InTe{sub 4} and CuCd{sub 2}InTe{sub 4} are reported for the first time. • These materials have potential for thermoelectric applications. • Their direct band gaps also suggest potential for photovoltaics applications.

• OSTI ID: 22658056
• Journal Information: Journal of Solid State Chemistry, Vol. 242, Issue Part 2; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2016 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0022-4596
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
CADMIUM COMPOUNDS
COPPER COMPOUNDS
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
INDIUM COMPOUNDS
PHOTOVOLTAIC EFFECT
SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
SYNTHESIS
TELLURIDES
THERMOELECTRIC PROPERTIES
ZINC SULFIDES