Effect of the transition metal on the synthesis of quaternary sulfides MPb8In17S34 (M = Cu, Ag, Au)

Abstract

Quaternary sulfides MPb8In17S34 (M = Cu, Ag, Au) were synthesized at 1123 K from their elements in stoichiometric ratios. These compounds crystallize in monoclinic space group P2(1)/m. The crystal structures feature combinations of (2)(infinity)[InS2] (NaCl111-type) and (2)(infinity)[MPb2In3S6] (NaCl100-type) slabs. These compounds are semiconductors with band gaps near 1.3 eV.