The YbTe-SnTe-Bi2Te3 system

Abstract

The phase diagram of the YbTe-SnTe-Bi2Te3 system was experimentally investigated by using differential thermal analysis (DTA), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) techniques. Four isothermal sections at 300, 800, 900 and 1000 K, the liquidus surface projection, as well as four isopleth sections were constructed from experimental results. Three different solid solubility fields based on SnTe, YbTe and Bi2Te3, respectively, were observed at 300 and 800 K. No new quaternary compound was detected in the system. The primary crystallization fields and homogeneity ranges of the phases as well as the types and coordinates of all the non- and monovariant equilibria were determined. It was also revealed that the solid solution α2 based on YbTe is a major phase in the distribution of phase areas in the subsolidus.