Chemistry and physics of inverse (Cationic) clathrates and tin anionic clathrates

Abstract

Clathrates are a family of cage compounds featuring complete sequestering of guests inside polyhedral cages formed by host frameworks. Compounds of this type receive rapt attention because it is expected that they can be a base for creating thermoelectric materials for heat-to-power conversion. This chapter is primarily devoted to a group of clathrates which frameworks are built on group 14 atoms and carry a positive charge compensated by guest halide or chalcogenideanions. It summarizes peculiarities of their crystal and electronic structure and transport properties and outlines ways of optimization of their thermoelectric performance. Tin clathrates with anionic frameworks are also discussed.