Physical properties of madocite: A quaternary chalcogenide with very low thermal conductivity

Abstract

The madocite Pb 17 (Sb 0.75 As 0.25) 16 S 41 was synthesized by reaction of binary compounds and densified using hot pressing. The optical band-gap, thermal stability, and temperature-dependent heat capacity and thermal conductivity are reported for the first time. The thermal properties are evaluated using the Debye model. The findings in this work lay the foundation for a more detailed understanding of the physical properties of this material, and is part of the continuing effort in investigating materials with new compositions that possess low thermal conductivity for potential low-cost thermal barrier coating and energy-related applications.