Aluminium Antimonide
Aluminum antimonide (AlSb) is a compound composed of aluminum and antimony. It has a zincblende crystal structure and a chemical formula of AlSb. It is a direct bandgap semiconductor with a bandgap energy of 1.6-2.0 electron volts (eV), depending on the composition and doping.
AlSb is commonly used in high-speed electronics and optoelectronics, as well as in thermoelectric materials due to its high thermal conductivity and Seebeck coefficient. It also has potential applications in solar cells, infrared detectors, and quantum computing.
In terms of its physical properties, AlSb is a dark gray or black powder with a melting point of 1067°C and a density of 4.26 g/cm³. It is insoluble in water and acids but reacts with strong bases. It has a high thermal stability and can withstand temperatures up to at least 700°C without decomposition.
The synthesis of AlSb typically involves the reaction of aluminum and antimony in a vacuum or inert gas atmosphere at high temperatures. Doping can be achieved by introducing impurities such as silicon or tellurium into the crystal lattice during growth.
Overall, AlSb is a versatile material with a range of potential applications in various fields due to its unique properties and structure.