Synthetic approaches to intermetallic clathrates

Abstract

Intermetallic clathrates comprise a class of unique crystalline solids displaying remarkable flexibility in chemical composition, resulting in a wide range of physical properties. Developing the scientific understanding of the unusual and potentially useful properties of these materials and their development in device applications requires a diverse synthetic toolkit. A variety of techniques have been used to prepare intermetallic clathrates, including direct solid-state reaction of the elements, flux and Czochralski crystal growth methods, and thermal decomposition of Zintl phase precursors. Recently, new approaches have been developed and applied to synthesize high quality crystals, as well as the preparation of compositions that are not easily accessible by conventional techniques. In this chapter, we provide a concise overview of both conventional and novel methods for synthesis of intermetallic clathrates, highlighting the types of compositions and characteristic products that have been prepared by each approach.