HgS4
HgS4 is a thermodynamically stable, semiconducting mercury sulfide compound known for its structural diversity.

About HgS4
HgS4 is a distinct semiconducting compound composed of mercury and sulfur. As a thermodynamically stable phase located on the convex hull, it represents a robust structural arrangement that has been identified across numerous documented configurations. Its electronic character suggests potential utility in specialized optoelectronic or sensing technologies where stable semiconducting behavior is required. The material is notable for its structural diversity, supported by a significant body of reported experimental and computational data. This complexity allows researchers to investigate how specific atomic arrangements influence its overall performance in various technical environments.
Key Properties
Cross-validated computational properties for HgS4, aggregated across 2 databases.
Band GapEnergy needed to move an electron from the valence band to the conduction band. Lower or zero values tend to behave more metallic; larger gaps are more insulating or semiconducting.
Energy Above HullThermodynamic distance from the most stable set of competing phases. 0 eV/atom is on the convex hull; small positive values may still be experimentally accessible.
StabilityA plain-language summary of the best reported energy-above-hull result. It reflects whether the lowest-energy structure is on, near, or far from the stability hull.
StructuresCount of reported calculated crystal structures for this formula, including alternate polymorphs, source databases, and observed space groups.
Applications
Where HgS4 is used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about HgS4, answered from cross-validated data.
What is HgS4?
HgS4 is a thermodynamically stable, semiconducting mercury sulfide compound known for its structural diversity.
What is HgS4 used for?
What is the band gap of HgS4?
Is HgS4 a metal, semiconductor, or insulator?
Is HgS4 thermodynamically stable?
How many polymorphs of HgS4 are known?
What elements does HgS4 contain?
Where does the data for HgS4 come from?
How It Compares
As a unique member of the mercury-sulfur system, HgS4 occupies a stable position that distinguishes it from simpler binary sulfides. While many mercury-based compounds are well-characterized, this specific stoichiometry offers a distinct structural motif that contributes to the broader understanding of mercury-rich chalcogenide chemistry.
Data sources & attribution
- latticegraph — Lattice Graph Materials Intelligence Platform
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