Bi/Sb distribution and its consequences in solid solution members of the thermoelectric materials K2Bi8-xSbxSe13

Abstract

In an effort to understand the nature of mass fluctuations introduced when β-K2Bi8Se13 is alloyed with K2Sb8Se13 we determined the detailed crystal structures of two solid solutions of the type K2Bi8-xSbxSe13 with x=4.0 and x=2.4. The structure is that of β-K2Bi8Se13 which is a promising thermoelectric material with low thermal conductivity. The single crystal structures of K1.49Bi4.72Sb3.79Se13 and K1.49Bi5.55Sb2.97Se13 were determined and the Bi/Sb distribution in the structures was examined. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.