Work

Phase transitions of β-ZnTe(en)0.5 under hydrostatic pressure

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Organic–inorganic hybrid semiconductors have enhanced and distinctive material properties. β-ZnTe(en)0.5, which consists of alternating layers of two-monolayer-thick zinc telluride (ZnTe) and ethylenediamine (en), exhibits high crystallinity, stability, and tunable optical properties. Using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, this study investigated the structural response of β-ZnTe(en)0.5 to applied hydrostatic pressure. Pressure-induced phase transitions were observed at 2.1 and 3.3 GPa. Shifts in the XRD peaks indicate substantial anisotropy in the pressure response, with the layer stacking direction (b axis) exhibiting high compressibility. The a and b lattice parameters showed −0.55% strain/GPa and −2.26% strain/GPa, respectively, contradicting theoretical calculations that predicted a more isotropic response. IR spectroscopy revealed abrupt changes in NH2 and CH2 vibrational modes corresponding to the phase transitions.

Source: AIP Advances

DOI: 10.1063/5.0266352

Authors: Julianne C. Miller, Yizhou Wang, Yong Zhang, Thomas A. Schmedake, Matthew D. McCluskey

Institutions: Washington State University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Language: English

Topic: High-pressure geophysics and materials

Subfield: Geophysics

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,350

Funders: Basic Energy Sciences, Army Research Office