FeSb

FeSb is a metastable, metallic iron-antimony compound studied for its structural complexity and electronic properties within the pnictide family.

Crystal structure of FeSb
Ground-state structure · Materials Project
Overview

About FeSb

FeSb is a metallic compound categorized within the broader family of skutterudite-related materials. As a metastable phase, it represents a complex structural arrangement of iron and antimony that challenges conventional synthesis pathways, making it a subject of significant interest for researchers studying phase stability and electronic behavior in binary pnictides. Its metallic nature distinguishes it from the semiconducting members often sought for thermoelectric applications, providing a unique baseline for understanding electron transport in this structural class. The compound's existence across numerous reported structures highlights the structural diversity inherent in iron-antimony systems, offering a rich landscape for investigating how atomic coordination influences material properties. While its metastability requires precise control during fabrication, it remains a critical reference point for mapping the electronic landscape of iron-based pnictides.

At a glance

Key Properties

Cross-validated computational properties for FeSb, aggregated across 4 databases.

Band Gap

Metallic / not reported

Energy Above Hull

0.040 eV/atom
Best (lowest) across sources

Stability

Metastable
2 DFT sources

Structures

77
4 databases, 16 space groups
Validation

Cross-Source DFT Agreement

How well independent DFT databases agree on the thermodynamics of FeSb. Tight agreement means computed properties can be trusted without re-running calculations.

Agreement Score

1.00 / 1.00
Trust tier: medium

Hull Spread

0.000 eV
EAH spread across sources

Sources Compared

2
jarvis, materials_project

Space Group Consensus

All match
Synthesis

Synthesis Routes

Literature-extracted synthesis procedures targeting FeSb.

Sol Gel
Procedure available · ceder_sol_gel
Sol Gel
Procedure available · ceder_sol_gel
Sol Gel
Procedure available · ceder_sol_gel
Solid State
Procedure available · ceder_solid_state
Solid State
Procedure available · ceder_solid_state
Solid State
Procedure available · ceder_solid_state
Uses

Applications

Where FeSb is used.

Thermoelectric material researchFundamental condensed matter physics studiesPhase stability investigations
Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is FeSb?

FeSb is a metastable, metallic iron-antimony compound studied for its structural complexity and electronic properties within the pnictide family.

More questions
What is FeSb used for?
FeSb is used in thermoelectric material research, fundamental condensed matter physics studies, and phase stability investigations.
What is the band gap of FeSb?
FeSb is computed to be metallic (no band gap) in the reported DFT structures.
Is FeSb a metal, semiconductor, or insulator?
Computed band structures report no gap, so it is metallic.
Is FeSb thermodynamically stable?
FeSb has a lowest energy above hull of 0.040 eV/atom (metastable).
How many polymorphs of FeSb are known?
77 structures of FeSb are reported across 4 databases, spanning 16 distinct space groups.
How is FeSb synthesized?
Literature-reported routes for FeSb include sol gel, solid state (10 procedures documented).
What elements does FeSb contain?
FeSb contains Fe and Sb (2 elements).
Where does the data for FeSb come from?
FeSb data is cross-referenced from latticegraph.
Comparison

How It Compares

Within the skutterudite thermoelectrics class.

Unlike the semiconducting members of the pnictide family such as FeP2 or CoP2, FeSb exhibits a distinct metallic character that sets it apart in terms of electronic transport. While many of its siblings like NiP2 or As2Ir are investigated for their optimized thermoelectric performance, FeSb serves as a fundamental metallic counterpart that helps define the structural and electronic boundaries within this diverse group of compounds.

Explore

Related Compounds

Other Skutterudite Thermoelectrics in the database.

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

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