Structural and electrical properties of argyrodite-type Cu7PS6 crystals

I.P. Studenyak; V.Yu. Izai; A.I. Pogodin; O.P. Kokhan; V.I. Sidey; M.Yu. Sabov; A. Kežionis; T. Šalkus; J. Banys

doi:10.3952/physics.v57i4.3603

I.P. Studenyak
V.Yu. Izai
A.I. Pogodin
O.P. Kokhan
V.I. Sidey
M.Yu. Sabov
A. Kežionis
T. Šalkus
J. Banys

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3952/physics.v57i4.3603

Keywords: inorganic materials, crystal growth, crystal structure, X-ray diffraction, charge transport

Abstract

Cu₇PS₆ crystals were grown using direct crystallisation from the melt (Bridgman–Stockbarger technique). The crystal structure of Cu₇PS₆ was determined by X-ray powder diffraction. Cu₇PS₆ crystallise in the cubic structure, space group P2₁3 (No. 198), the lattice parameter a = 9.6706(1) Å, formula units per cell Z = 4. Electrical properties of Cu₇PS₆ crystals were studied in the frequency range 10–10¹⁰ Hz and in the temperature interval 296–351 K. The performed analysis shows that the Cu₇PS₆ crystals are mixed electron-ionic conductors with some growth defects.