Formation of Zn defects in willemite-type Zn2 GeO4 during supercooled liquid-crystal phase transition

Abstract

This letter elucidates the formation mechanism of interstitial Zn defects in wide band-gap semiconductive willemite-type Zn2 GeO4 via nanocrystallization in a zincogermanate glass. The results of time-development structural observations suggest that Zn2 GeO 4 nanocrystals precipitate in the nanometric Zn-condensed region, which occurs prior to nanocrystallization. The Zn-condensed environment probably promotes the capture of Zn ions in the interstitial sites of the Zn2 GeO4 structure during the structural ordering of the supercooled liquid phase. The Zn-condensation mechanism is also discussed. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.