Composition, structure, bonding and thermoelectric properties of “CuT 2 P 3 ” and “CuT 4 P 3 ”, members of the T 1−x (CuP 3 ) x series with T being Si and Ge

Through electron microprobe analysis, X-ray and neutron diffraction, it has been established that "CuT(2)P(3)" and "CuT(4)P(3)" (T = Si, Ge) adopt the cubic or tetragonally distorted zinc blende structures in which two element mixtures are present on both atomic sites. One site contains the Cu/T mixture while the other site is occupied by T and P. The structure of "CuT(2)P(3)" and "CuT(4)P(3)" can be derived from that of silicon or germanium, …