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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 17-22 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Solid State Chemistry |
Volume | 161 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 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