Structure of Te[sub 1−x]Cl[sub x] Liquids

Abstract

The structure of Te1−xClx. liquids having composition outside the glassy domain has been investigated using neutron diffraction. Te‐rich (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) and Cl‐rich (x = 0.7, 0.8) liquids have been measured just above their respective melting points, 240 °C⩽T⩽490 °C. The neutron structure factor SN(Q) exhibits a pronounced First Sharp Diffraction Peak (FSDP) for the Cl‐rich compositions suggesting a significant intermediate range order in these molecular liquids. In contrast, the FSDP appears to be weak for the Te‐rich liquid alloys presumably having a chain network structure. As expected, two different nearest‐neighbour distances have been found in the total correlation function TN(r). The first peak at r1≈2.4 Å, corresponding to Cl‐Te contacts, increases with x. The second at r2≈2.8 Å is related to the Te‐Te first neighbours and decreases with x. A detailed analysis of the TN(r) and difference ΔTN(r) is given in the contribution and allows between three possible structural models to be chosen.