Synthesis, crystal structure, and transport properties of Cu₂SnTe₃

Polycrystalline Cu₂SnTe₃, a ternary chalcogenide forming in a cubic crystal structure, was synthesized by reaction of the constituent elements before annealing and densification by Spark Plasma Sintering. The structural and chemical analyses were investigated using powder X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement. Low temperature transport properties are reported and indicate that this cubic phase has metallic conduction and possessing relatively high thermal conductivity values with a relatively large lattice contribution. The results presented are intended to expand on the research into ternary chalcogenides in order to further advance the fundamental investigation of these materials as they continue to be of fundamental interest for potential energy-related applications.