What Are The Physical Properties Of Silver Thioantimonate?

Silver thioantimonate, also known as Ag3SbS3, is a solid inorganic compound that has several physical properties. Here are some of its key physical characteristics:

1. Appearance: Silver thioantimonate is a yellowish-orange powder or crystals.

2. Density: The density of silver thioantimonate is 4.85 g/cm^3.

3. Melting point: The melting point of silver thioantimonate is around 480-490°C.

4. Solubility: Silver thioantimonate is insoluble in water and most organic solvents. It is soluble in concentrated acids like hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid.

5. Crystal structure: Silver thioantimonate has a layered crystal structure. Its unit cell contains two AgSbS2 layers that are sandwiched between two S layers.

6. Optical properties: Silver thioantimonate is a semiconductor with an optical bandgap of around 1.7 eV. It exhibits strong absorption in the visible and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

7. Thermal stability: Silver thioantimonate is stable at high temperatures under inert atmospheres. However, it can decompose in air or oxygen at elevated temperatures.

Overall, the physical properties of silver thioantimonate make it a useful material for various applications, including optoelectronics, photovoltaics, and sensing.