The Ag2S–ZnS–GeS2 system: Phase diagram, glass-formation region and crystal structure of Ag2ZnGeS4

Isothermal section of the quasi-ternary system Ag2S–ZnS–GeS2 at 298 K was investigated by X-ray phase analysis. The existence of a quaternary compound Ag2ZnGeS4 was discovered, and its crystal structure was determined using X-ray powder method (Cu2FeSnS4 structure type, space group I4¯2m, a = 0.574996(9) nm, c = 1.03434(3) nm, c/a = 1.799 and RI = 0.0495). The glass-formation region in the system was investigated. It is localized along the Ag2S–GeS2 system, and the maximum amount of ZnS in the glass phase is 12 mol.%.