Synthesis of metal molybdenum tellurides of composition Mo6–xMxTe8(M = Ru or Rh)

Abstract

Monophasic compounds of compositions Mo_s–xRu_xTe₈(x= 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5) and Mo_5.5Rh_0.5Te₈ have been synthesised. The preparation of the pure compounds depends critically on the thermal treatments used. The maximum value of x in compounds of the type Mo_6–xRu_xTe₈ is ca. 1.75. The compounds have been characterised by X-ray powder diffraction and the lattice parameters shown to vary with ruthenium content.