Crystals (Aug 2023)

Robust Conveniently Sealable Container for High-Temperature Single-Crystal Growth Out of Reactive Melts with High Vapor Pressure

  • Jutta Püttmann,
  • N. S. Sangeetha,
  • Teslin R. Thomas,
  • Jörg Meermann,
  • Andreas Kreyssig,
  • Anna E. Böhmer

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13091332
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 9
p. 1332

Abstract

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The high-temperature crystal growth of intermetallics often asks for sealing of the materials in a protective atmosphere. Here, we report on the development of a convenient sealing method for alkali-containing melts, with high vapor pressure and reactivity. Our newly designed container made of high-temperature resistant steel can be sealed manually and reliably without any air exposure of the containing material. The closed container may be heated in air up to at least 1150 °C. The containers were applied for the development and optimization of a high-temperature self-flux growth of KFe1−xAg1+yCh2 (Ch = Se, Te) single crystals. Their crystal structure and the low-temperature electrical resistance are presented. The successful growths of these air-sensitive materials out of a reactive self-flux confirm the reliability of the container.

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