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High-pressure phase transitions, amorphization, and crystallization behaviors in Bi2Se3
Jinggeng Zhao1, Haozhe Liu, Lars Ehm
1Natural Science Research Center, Academy of Fundamental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China. zhaojinggeng@gmail.com
Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter : an Institute of Physics Journal
|February 20, 2013
Summary
High pressure transforms topological insulator bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) through multiple phases, including amorphization upon pressure release. Subsequent relaxation leads to crystallization into a new structure.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Solid State Chemistry
Background:
- Topological insulators like bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) exhibit unique electronic properties.
- Understanding their structural behavior under extreme conditions is crucial for novel applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pressure-induced phase transitions, amorphization, and crystallization of bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3).
- To characterize the structural transformations of Bi2Se3 under varying pressure conditions.
Main Methods:
- In situ high-pressure angle-dispersive x-ray diffraction experiments were employed.
- The study involved increasing, decreasing, and recycling pressure cycles.
Main Results:
- Bi2Se3 transitions from rhombohedral (phase I(A)) to monoclinic (phase II) at ~10.4 GPa, then to body-centered tetragonal (phase III) at ~24.5 GPa.
- Upon pressure release, Bi2Se3 amorphizes (AM) and subsequently crystallizes into an orthorhombic structure (phase I(B)) after ambient pressure relaxation.
Conclusions:
- Bismuth selenide exhibits complex structural phase transitions under high pressure.
- The material demonstrates amorphization and subsequent crystallization pathways, offering insights into its phase diagram and potential for novel material states.
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