Growth and structure determination of ZrSTe—A new ternary phase of transition metal chalcogenides

• It is quite possible to grow ZrSTe single crystals using iodine as a transporting agent at high temperature.
• EDAX analysis confirms the stoichiometry.
• Surface mirostructure reveals the rapid growth of the layers.
• Single crystal X-ray diffraction data shows the trigonal unit cell structure of ZrSTe with space group P31.
• Earlier author has reported growth and electrical properties of ZrSTe crystals.

A new ternary phase ZrSTe in the form of single crystal has been grown at 873 K from pure elements in a stoichiometry ratio by chemical vapor transport method. The grown crystals were characterized by Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy by X-rays (EDS), which gives the confirmation about the stoichiometry. The grown crystals are characterized by single X-ray diffraction technique. Surface features of as grown faces of the crystals also revealed. The ZrSTe crystallize in trigonal unit cell structure with the space group P31. The lattice parameters, point group, coordination of atoms in a unit cell, selected bond length and bond angles are determined. The structure of ZrSTe consists of alternate two-dimensional zigzag chains of zirconium and tellurium atoms extending along the c-axis.