The Sn2Sb6Se11–Bi2Se3 section of the Sb2Se3–SnSe–Bi2Se3 quasi-ternary system

For the first time, the Sn2Sb6Se11–Bi2Se3 section of the Sb2Se3–SnSe–Bi2Se3 quasi-ternary system was studied by integrated physicochemical analysis methods (by differential thermal, X-ray powder diffraction, and microstructural analyses and by microhardness and density measurements) over a wide concentration range, and the state diagram of this section was constructed. It was determined that the section is of the eutectic type, and the coordinates of the eutectic point are (25 mol % Bi2Se3, 700 K). Regions of solid solutions based on the initial components on both sides of the section were identified. At room temperature, the solubility on the side of Sn2Sb6Se11 reaches 8 mol % Bi2Se3, and the solubility on the side of Bi2Se3 attains 10 mol % Sn2Sb6Se11. The physical properties of alloys in the regions of solid solutions were investigated. These alloys were found to be p-type semiconductors.