Crystal structure and physical properties of EuMo 6S 8 single crystals

Abstract

X-ray analysis was performed at room temperature on single crystals of Eu x Mo 6S 8. Refinement of its crystal structure shows an upper stoichiometry of x = 1.0. Crystals were also characterized through their susceptibility and transport properties. All europium atoms are divalent as confirmed by the magnetization at low temperatures. A well-defined anomaly on the electrical resistivity at T s = 107 K separates the metallic high -temperture rhombohedral phase from the low-temperature non-metallic (triclinic) phase. Very large residual resistivity ratios obtained for stoichiometric crystals favor our interpretation that the Eu 1.0Mo 6S 8 low-temperature phase must be essentially semiconducting.