Real-time in situ monitoring of the topotactic transformation of TlCu5Se3 into metastable o-TlCu4Se3

• The transformation within the solid state of tetragonal TlCu5Se3 into the metastable orthorhombic form of TlCu4Se3 by oxidative copper leaching in concentrated ammonia solution has been studied in situ by conventional X-ray powder diffraction. The ease with which the reaction occurs illustrates a comparatively high diffusion coefficient typical of copper sulphides and selenides. The diffraction patterns of the parent phase as well as the product remain sharp during the process, indicating strong topotaxy in the first-order transformation that is effectuated by the access of oxygen while the accompanying released copper enters the liquid phase. The transformation was followed in a real-time mode, leading to a complete transformation of the amount probed.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Materialkemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Materials Chemistry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

In situ diffraction

Topotactic transformation

Oxidative copper leaching

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)