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The structure of liquid SnTe under pressure
Andreas Hinzmann1, Ayano Chiba, Kazuhiko Tsuji
1Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Hiyoshi 3-14-1, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan.
Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter : an Institute of Physics Journal
|February 24, 2012
Summary
High-pressure studies reveal liquid tin telluride (SnTe) exhibits a distorted B1 local structure upon melting. Further structural transitions occur around 1.6-3.3 GPa, deviating from ideal B2-based structures at elevated pressures.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- High-Pressure Science
Background:
- Tin telluride (SnTe) is a narrow-gap semiconductor with potential thermoelectric applications.
- Understanding the structural behavior of SnTe under pressure is crucial for its technological applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural evolution of liquid SnTe at high pressures.
- To determine the local structure and coordination changes in liquid SnTe up to 8.2 GPa.
Main Methods:
- Energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction was employed to probe the structure of liquid SnTe.
- High-pressure conditions were achieved using a suitable experimental setup.
Main Results:
- Upon melting at low pressures, SnTe transitions to a distorted B1-like local structure, not a typical B1 structure.
- Significant structural changes were observed in the pressure range of 1.6–3.3 GPa.
- At higher pressures, while bond angles and coordination numbers approach B2-based structures, distinct deviations persist.
Conclusions:
- Liquid SnTe exhibits complex structural rearrangements under high pressure.
- The observed deviations from both B1 and B2 structures highlight unique high-pressure behavior of SnTe.
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