[Cs14Cl][Tm71Se110]: An unusual salt-inclusion chalcogenide containing different valent Tm centers and ultralow thermal conductivity

Abstract

As an emerging class of inorganic hybrid materials, salt-inclusion chalcogenides (SICs) have garnered significant attention in the past decade owing to their distinct host-guest structural characteristics and outstanding performance in the field of optoelectronics. In this study, a novel quaternary SIC [Cs₁₄Cl][Tm₇₁Se₁₁₀] has been discovered using an appropriate flux method. The structure comprises two distinct parts within the lattice: the host [Tm₇₁Se₁₁₀]¹³⁻ framework and the guest [Cs₁₄Cl]¹³⁺ polycation. Notably, this structure reveals the presence of mixed-valent Tm²⁺/Tm³⁺ and different types of closed cavities for the first time. Additionally, thermal transport performance testing shows that it has ultralow thermal conductivity, ranging from 0.29 to 0.24 W/m⋅K within the temperature range of 323–673 K, which is one of the lowest reported values among polycrystalline chalcogenides. This research not only advances the coordination chemistry of rare-earth-based compounds but also reaffirms that SIC semiconductors are promising systems for achieving ultralow thermal conductivity.