Unique periodic modulations in the infinite [Tex]n-chains of RbUSB0.33Te6

Kyoung Shin Choi, Mercouri G. Kanatzidis*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

The new phase RbUSb0.33Te6 is described. The structure of RbUSb0.33Te6 is acentric and trigonal (space group P3) with infinite [UTe6]2- columns running along the c axis. The structure has straight [UTe6]6- columns in which the U atoms adopt distorted tri-capped trigonal prisms. The central axis in the [UTe6]2- columns is defined by a row of U atoms 4.064 (1) apart, i.e., a metal "wire" seethed with what appear to be three infinite zig-zag Te chains. The crystals, however, exhibit a super-structure that results in a rhombohedral space group which is 9 times larger (asuper = √3asub, bsuper = √3bsub, csuper = 3csub) than that of the ideal P3 structure. The superstructure is caused by a periodic modulation of Te - Te distances in the zig-zag chains. The almost equal Te - Te distances in the infinite chains are in fact dimers, trimers, and pentamers. The material is a narrow gap semiconductor with a room temperature electrical conductivity of ∼ 40 S/cm.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)17-22
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Solid State Chemistry
Volume161
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

Funding

We thank the National Science Foundation (DMR-9817287) for support.

Keywords

  • Actinides
  • Peierls distortion
  • Polytelluride
  • Superstructure
  • Tellurium chains

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry

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