Synthesis and Characterization of new Chalcogenometallate Materials in the Systems Alkali Metal - Gallium - Tetrel - Chalcogen

• Applicant: Dr. Daniel Friedrich
• Subject Area: Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis ; Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation
• Term: from 2018 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 403411813

The main goal of this research project lies in the synthesis und characterization of new semiconductors in the quaternary systems of alkali metal, gallium, tetrel, and chalcogen. Contrary to the ternary group 13 and group 14 compounds, these mixed materials show interesting physical properties, especially in the field of non-linear optics. Using ternary chalcogenogallates as a starting point, these quaternary chalcogenogallattetrelates combined with the heavy alkali metals will be further investigated. Based on the knowledge of the better investigated chalkogenoindattetrelates, non-linear optically active substances are expected in combination with lighter elements. In combination with the heavier elements, these materials should show thermoelectric properties. Furthermore, these compounds should be suitable for the detection of hard radiation, as their high absorption coefficients combined with relatively high optical band gaps should yield detector materials with low background noise. In order to prepare these compounds, reactions in polychalcogenide fluxes will be used as a complementary synthesis route in addition to traditional solid state methods.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Mercouri G. Kanatzidis, Ph.D.