Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
KBi6.33S10 and K2Bi8S13 were synthesized by the direct combination of K2S/Bi2S3 at high temperature (>700°C). The reaction of K2S/3.3Bi2S3 at 800°C revealed the presence of a new ternary sulfide KBi6.33S10 (I) (92% yield). The structure consists of blocks of Bi2Te3 and Cdl2-type units that are connected to form a three-dimensional network with K+ ions located in the channels that run along the b-axis. The same reaction but with a different ratio, at 750°C, gave the new ternary sulfide K2Bi8S13 (II) (94% yield). The structure of the shiny rod-like crystals is closely related to that of I. As in I, it also consists of Bi2Te3 and Cdl2-type fragments that connect to form K+-filled channels. The two potassium atoms and one bismuth atom are disordered over three sites. Some preliminary electrical and optical properties of these materials are discussed.