Phase relations in the Nd2S3-SnS system and properties of the γ-Nd9.5Sn1.8S16 solid solution

Abstract

The Nd2S3-SnS system has been studied at a temperature of 1100°C. The Nd2S3 solubility in molten SnS at this temperature is determined to be 4.4 mol %. The neodymium is present in the SnS melt in the form of Nd3+ ions. Its diffusion coefficient in molten SnS is estimated at 1.2 × 10−8 m2/s. Nd2S3 dissolution in SnS has a negligible effect on the SnS vapor pressure over saturated liquid solution in comparison with pure molten SnS. Using solvent evaporation, we have grown γ-Nd9.5Sn1.8S16 crystals and determined their chemical and phase compositions, structure, density and optical band gap.