Cu4Hg2Se8Si2

Cu4Hg2Se8Si2 is a thermodynamically stable, semimetallic quaternary compound composed of copper, mercury, selenium, and silicon.

CuHgSeSi
Crystal structure of Cu4Hg2Se8Si2
Ground-state structure · Materials Project
Overview

About Cu4Hg2Se8Si2

Cu4Hg2Se8Si2 is a complex quaternary chalcogenide that stands out for its thermodynamic stability. As a material positioned on the convex hull, it represents a robust structural arrangement of copper, mercury, selenium, and silicon atoms that maintains integrity under standard conditions. Its electronic character is defined as near-zero-gap, placing it in the intriguing regime of semimetallic behavior where valence and conduction bands meet or overlap slightly. This electronic profile makes it a subject of interest for fundamental studies in condensed matter physics and specialized electronic applications. By bridging the gap between traditional semiconductors and metallic conductors, this compound offers a unique platform for exploring charge carrier dynamics in multi-element systems. Its existence within multiple structural databases underscores its significance as a well-defined, reproducible phase in the broader landscape of inorganic chemistry.

At a glance

Key Properties

Cross-validated computational properties for Cu4Hg2Se8Si2, aggregated across 3 databases.

Band Gap

0.02 eV
Range across DFT structures

Energy Above Hull

0.000 eV/atom
Best (lowest) across sources

Stability

On hull (stable)
2 DFT sources

Structures

3
3 databases, 1 space group
Uses

Applications

Where Cu4Hg2Se8Si2 is used.

Fundamental condensed matter researchElectronic materials developmentSemimetallic thin-film studies
Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Cu4Hg2Se8Si2, answered from cross-validated data.

What is Cu4Hg2Se8Si2?

Cu4Hg2Se8Si2 is a thermodynamically stable, semimetallic quaternary compound composed of copper, mercury, selenium, and silicon.

More questions
What is Cu4Hg2Se8Si2 used for?
Cu4Hg2Se8Si2 is used in fundamental condensed matter research, electronic materials development, and semimetallic thin-film studies.
What is the band gap of Cu4Hg2Se8Si2?
Cu4Hg2Se8Si2 has a DFT-computed band gap of 0.02 eV across 3 reported structures.
Is Cu4Hg2Se8Si2 a metal, semiconductor, or insulator?
With a near-zero band gap it behaves as a (semi)metal.
Is Cu4Hg2Se8Si2 thermodynamically stable?
Yes — Cu4Hg2Se8Si2 sits on the convex hull (energy above hull 0 eV/atom), i.e. on hull (stable).
How many polymorphs of Cu4Hg2Se8Si2 are known?
3 structures of Cu4Hg2Se8Si2 are reported across 3 databases, spanning 1 distinct space group.
What elements does Cu4Hg2Se8Si2 contain?
Cu4Hg2Se8Si2 contains Cu, Hg, Se, and Si (4 elements).
Where does the data for Cu4Hg2Se8Si2 come from?
Cu4Hg2Se8Si2 data is cross-referenced from latticegraph.
Comparison

How It Compares

As a specialized quaternary compound, Cu4Hg2Se8Si2 occupies a distinct niche in materials science. Unlike simpler binary or ternary chalcogenides that often exhibit clear insulating or semiconducting gaps, this compound leverages its complex stoichiometry to achieve a semimetallic state, providing a unique electronic architecture that is not commonly found in more basic material classes.

Data sources & attribution
  • latticegraph — Lattice Graph Materials Intelligence Platform

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