1 research outputs found
Structure–Property Relationship of Low-Dimensional Layered GaSe<sub><i>x</i></sub>Te<sub>1–<i>x</i></sub> Alloys
We
report the growth of layered GaSe<sub><i>x</i></sub>Te<sub>1–<i>x</i></sub> mesostructures across the
whole composition range. For compositions up to <i>x</i> = 0.32 (the Te-rich region), mesocrystals form predominantly in
the monoclinic structure, similar to naturally occurring GaTe. However,
the hexagonal crystal structure, similar to naturally occurring GaSe,
begins growing at the <i>x</i> = 0.28 composition and grows
almost exclusively in the range of <i>x</i> = 0.32 to pure
GaSe, establishing a region of composition where both monoclinic and
hexagonal crystals exist. While the optical bandgap of the monoclinic
phase increases linearly from 1.65 to 1.77 eV with increasing Se content,
the incorporation of Te in the hexagonal phase reduces the optical
gap from 2.01 (pure GaSe) to 1.38 eV (<i>x</i> = 0.28).
Specifically, a bandgap difference of ∼0.35 eV between monoclinic
and hexagonal crystals is observed in the composition range where
both crystal structures can be grown. These observations are in good
agreement with direct-gap trends calculated by density functional
theory, which show a linear dependence on composition for the direct
gap of the monoclinic phase and a considerable bowing of the direct
gap of the hexagonal phase for Te-rich compositions. Our results show
that layered semiconductor alloys are remarkably versatile systems
in which electronic properties can be controlled by not only thickness
but also structural phase and composition