Metal–nonmetal transition in the sphalerite-type solid solution [ZnSnSb2]1−x[2(InSb)]x

Samples of the solid solution [ZnSnSb2]1−x[2(InSb)]x have been prepared over the whole range of composition by tin flux synthesis. The lattice parameter of the sphalerite-type average structure varies linearly between that of the end members ZnSnSb2 and InSb, a=6.2849(2) and 6.4776(15), respectively. Electron diffraction shows different kinds of structured diffuse scattering for Zn and In rich samples, respectively. The former is attributed to compositional short range ordering, the latter to thermally excited phonon modes. A metal–nonmetal transition takes place between the compositions x=0.8 and x=0.9.

Graphical abstractAlloys of the sphalerite-type solid solution [ZnSnSb2]1-x[2(InSb)]x can be prepared over the whole range of composition by Sn flux synthesis. A metal–nonmetal transition takes place between the compositions x=0.8 and x=0.9.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide