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Nanoscale Precipitates in Single Te Inclusions in Cd0.9Zn0.1Te Crystal.
Eloïse Rahier1, Sebastian Koelling1, Guillaume Nadal1
1Department of Engineering Physics, École Polytechnique de Montréal, C. P. 6079, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3A7, Canada.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|June 16, 2026
Summary
Examining tellurium inclusions in cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) monocrystals revealed embedded CZT nanocrystals and impurity shells. This provides insights into solute redistribution and phase separation during crystal growth.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Solid State Physics
- Crystallography
Background:
- Alloy crystal growth is complex, influenced by element and impurity distribution.
- Atomic-level analysis reveals thermodynamic constraints shaping material structure and composition.
- Understanding impurity behavior is crucial for advanced material development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate single tellurium (Te) inclusions within cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) monocrystals.
- To elucidate the atomic-level distribution of elements and impurities during CZT crystal growth.
- To understand segregation and precipitation mechanisms in CZT alloys.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for nanoscale imaging.
- Atom probe tomography (APT) for three-dimensional elemental mapping.
- Combined TEM-APT analysis of Te inclusions in CZT.
Main Results:
- Discovery of CZT nanocrystals (1.5 at. % Zn) embedded within Te inclusions.
- Identification of a ~10 nm shell enriched with copper and indium surrounding precipitates.
- Detection of sodium and sulfur within the CZT nanocrystals.
Conclusions:
- Direct evidence of complex segregation and precipitation during CZT growth.
- Demonstration of interplay between thermodynamics and kinetics in solute redistribution.
- Enhanced understanding of impurity behavior and phase separation in CZT alloys.
