NEW VARIABLE COMPOSITION PHASES IN THE Tl_{2}Te–Tl_{5}Te_{3}–Tl_{4}SmTe_{3} SYSTEM

Abstract

Phase relations in the Tl–Sm–Te system were studied in the Tl₂Te–Tl₅Te₃–Tl₄SmTe₃ composition region. The phase diagrams of boundary systems, solid-phase equilibria diagram as well as the projections of the liquidus and solidus surfaces were constructed. It was found that the homogeneity region of solid solutions with the Tl₅Te₃ structure includes the stoichiometric compositions of the compounds Tl₉SmTe₆ and Tl₄SmTe₃, and occupies more than 90% of the area of the concentration triangle Tl₂Te–Tl₅Te₃–Tl₄SmTe₃. The obtained new phases are of interest as potential thermoelectric and magnetic materials.