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arXiv · 1010.4795

Entropic Stabilization and Retrograde Solubility in Zn4Sb3

Gregory S. Pomrehn·Eric S. Toberer·G. Jeffrey Snyder·Axel van de Walle
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Abstract

Zn4Sb3 is shown to be entropically stabilized versus decomposition to Zn and ZnSb though the effects of configurational disorder and phonon free energy. Single phase stability is predicted for a range of compositions and temperatures. Retrograde solubility of Zn is predicted on the two-phase boundary region between Zn4Sb3 and Zn. The complex temperature dependent solubility can be used to explain the variety of nanoparticle formation observed in the system: formation of ZnSb on the Sb rich side, Zn on the far Zn rich side and nano-void formation due to Zn precipitates being reabsorbed at lower temperatures.

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Gregory S. Pomrehn, Eric S. Toberer, G. Jeffrey Snyder, Axel van de Walle. 2010-10-22. Entropic Stabilization and Retrograde Solubility in Zn4Sb3. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.83.094106

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