Scientific Achievement
We devised a new materials design scheme for altering reaction pathways, leading to new materials with composition, structure, and dimensionality control. This control is achieved using a two-component flux, where one component serves as an effective medium and the other as a tuning knob by varying their ratios (Fig. a). The work advances the synthesis science of quantum materials.
Significance and Impact
The key innovations and implications: 1) the new chemistry provides a generic approach for successful exploratory synthesis, 2) with only two determining synthetic parameters, the method is efficient for rapid discovery, and 3) rational control of dimensionality and building block can be achieved with tunable solubility which is highly effective for complex multiple-anion systems.
Research Details
- We synthesized 30 new chalcogenides, including 10 unique structure types.
- In situ panoramic synthesis and theoretical calculations revealed that increasing solubility leads to kinetically stable products (Fig. b).
- Our method can grow single crystals, so detailed characterization of physical properties and structures of the materials can be accessible.
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