Crystal chemistry, superconductivity and magnetism in iron chalcogenides

Chem. Met. Alloys 3 (2010) 63-68

https://doi.org/10.30970/cma3.0158

E. GIANNINI, R. VIENNOIS, R. ČERNÝ, M. HANFLAND

The structural simplicity of FeCh (Ch = S, Se, Te), in which the conducting layers are not separated by any third-atom layers, offers the best tool for investigating the nature of superconductivity and magnetism in Fe-based compounds. Either the pressure or the chemical composition distort the FeCh₄ tetrahedron and tune the electronic properties. When partially substituting Se for Te in the antiferromagnetic Fe_1+xTe, the excess of Fe is reduced and superconductivity appears over a wide range of compositions. Both the Fe excess and the Se substitution affect the structure and must be kept under control for tuning the structure deformation and the electronic properties. The excess of Fe stretches the FeCh₄ tetrahedron, thus inducing spin and charge localization. Below a critical Fe-Ch distance, the antiferromagnetism is weakened and superconductivity occurs, mediated by spin fluctuations as in the similar families of Fe-based oxy-pnictides. Uniaxial rather than hydrostatic pressure has a strong effect on the magnetic and superconducting properties of FeCh.

Lattice parameters a (red rhombs), c (blue squares), and cell volume (green circles) as a function of the Se fraction y in Fe_1+xTe_1−ySe_y. Full symbols: single crystal X-ray diffraction; open symbols: powder diffraction from ground crystals; rhombs (triangles) refer to high (low) nominal Fe content. The end compound FeSe_1−y does not follow the linear trend. The crystal structure of β-Fe_1+xTe is shown in the inset, in which the FeTe₄ tetrahedron and the distance h from Fe1 to the next Te layer are shown

Keywords

Fe-based superconductors / Fe chalcogenides / Magnetism and superconductivity