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Abstract A new compound NaCd₄Sb₃(Rm,a=4.7013(1) Å,c=35.325(1), Å, Z=3,T=100 K) featuring the RbCd₄As₃structure type has been discovered in the Na−Cd−Sb system, in addition to the previously reported NaCdSb phase. NaCd₄Sb₃and NaCdSb were herein synthesized using sodium hydride as the source of sodium. The hydride method allows for targeted sample composition, improved precursor mixing, and an overall quicker synthesis time when compared to traditional methods using Na metal as a precursor. The NaCd₄Sb₃structure was determined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and contained the splitting of a Cd site not seen in previous isostructural phases. NaCd₄Sb₃decomposes into NaCdSb plus melt at 766 K, as determined viain‐situhigh‐temperature PXRD. The electronic structure calculations predict the NaCd₄Sb₃phase to be semi‐metallic, which compliments the measured thermoelectric property data, indicative of ap‐type semi‐metallic material. The crystal structure, elemental analysis, thermal properties, and electronic structure are herein discussed in further detail. 

Abstract Here, the combination of theoretical computations followed by rapid experimental screening and in situ diffraction studies is demonstrated as a powerful strategy for novel compounds discovery. When applied for the previously “empty” Na−Zn−Bi system, such an approach led to four novel phases. The compositional space of this system was rapidly screened via the hydride route method and the theoretically predicted NaZnBi (PbClF type,P4/nmm) and Na₁₁Zn₂Bi₅(Na₁₁Cd₂Sb₅type,P) phases were successfully synthesized, while other computationally generated compounds on the list were rejected. In addition, single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies of NaZnBi indicate minor deviations from the stoichiometric 1 : 1 : 1 molar ratio. As a result, two isostructural (PbClF type,P4/nmm) Zn‐deficient phases with similar compositions, but distinctly different unit cell parameters were discovered. The vacancies on Zn sites and unit cell expansion were rationalized from bonding analysis using electronic structure calculations on stoichiometric “NaZnBi”.In‐situsynchrotron powder X‐ray diffraction studies shed light on complex equilibria in the Na−Zn−Bi system at elevated temperatures. In particular, the high‐temperature polymorphHT‐Na₃Bi (BiF₃type,Fmm) was obtained as a product of Na₁₁Zn₂Bi₅decomposition above 611 K.HT‐Na₃Bi cannot be stabilized at room temperature by quenching, and this type of structure was earlier observed in the high‐pressure polymorphHP‐Na₃Bi above 0.5 GPa. The aforementioned approach of predictive synthesis can be extended to other multinary systems. 

Abstract The compositional screening of K‐Zn‐Sb ternary system aided by machine learning, rapid exploratory synthesis using KH salt‐like precursor and in situ powder X‐ray diffraction yielded a novel clathrate type XI K₅₈Zn₁₂₂Sb₂₀₇. This clathrate consists of a 3D Zn‐Sb framework hosting K⁺ions inside polyhedral cages, some of which are reminiscent of known clathrate types while others are unique to this structure type. The complex non‐centrosymmetric structure in the tetragonal space groupwas solved by means of single crystal X‐ray diffraction as a 6‐component twin due to pseudocubic symmetry and further confirmed by high‐resolution synchrotron powder X‐ray diffraction and state‐of‐the‐art scanning transmission electron microscopy. The electron‐precise composition of this clathrate yields narrow‐gapp‐type semiconductor with extraordinarily low thermal conductivity due to displacement or “rattling” of K cations inside oversized cages and as well as to twinning, stacking faults and antiphase boundary defects. 

Diffusion-enhanced hydride synthesis enables the modern solidstate chemist to achieve their Hephaestian aspirations through design of experiments methods and the mechanistic knowledge gleaned fromin situpowder X-ray diffraction data. 

This study investigates the facile hydride synthesis method guided by theoretical predictions to explore the K–T–Bi (T = Zn, Cd) phase spaces. Using an adaptive genetic algorithm (AGA) and density functional theory (DFT), candidate compositions are identified for experimental validation via a facile hydrides route, permitting experimental screening of K–Zn–Bi and “empty” K–Cd–Bi systems. The previously reported KZnBi and KZn₂Bi₂are synthesized alongside newly discovered KCdBi and KCd₂Bi₂. While the AGA and DFT predict the stability of these compounds, structural predictions align with the experiment only for KZnBi and KZn₂Bi₂. Single‐crystal X‐ray structure refinements confirm that KZnBi and KZn₂Bi₂adopt the hexagonal ZrBeSi‐ and tetragonal ThCr₂Si₂‐structure types, respectively. KCdBi has tetragonal PbClF‐structure type and KCd₂Bi₂belongs to the ThCr₂Si₂‐structure type. A trend based on the ratio of the metal ionic radii allows to rationalize variation in the structure types within theATBi family (A = Li–Cs), correctly identifying KCdBi as isostructural to NaZnBi. Thermal stability studied by high‐temperature powder X‐ray diffraction reveals that Zn‐containing compounds melt at higher temperatures (821 K for KZn₂Bi₂) than Cd‐containing KCd₂Bi₂(635 K). This study highlights the efficacy of combining rapid synthesis techniques with predictive modeling, though structural predictions show some limitations in accuracy. 

Non-oxidized SiNSs are effectively non-emissive (Φ_PL< 0.6%) while previously reported photoluminescent properties (Φ_PL> 8%) originate from oxidation of the silicon backbone.