High-pressure structural studies of group-15 elements

Abstract

Recent advances in high-pressure experimental techniques have yielded high-quality x-ray diffraction data for the high-pressure phases of the group-15 elements Bi, Sb and As, and have made it possible to solve several long-standing problems in their structures. In particular, several complex incommensurate host–guest structures have been identified. This paper reviews the present state of knowledge of the structural transition sequences for these elements at high pressure and room temperature, including a summary of previous work, a detailed presentation of the new structures, and revised equations of state.